Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) published a new focus sheet on Avian Influenza, commonly known as “bird flu.” This resource is intended to help the UW community stay informed on recent bird flu activity, ways to stay healthy, and how to report sick or dead wildlife.
While the current health risk to the public is low, sick animals and people have been reported in Washington state.
STAY HEALTHY
Bird flu viruses spread through contact with a sick animal’s body fluids, saliva, feces, or by contact with surfaces a sick animal has touched.
- Protect yourself and your pets: Don’t touch or allow pets to have contact with wildlife, wildlife secretions, or nests. Avoid eating and giving pets raw milk, and undercooked eggs or meats.
- Wear protective equipment, disinfect tools, and wash hands with soap and water after touching surfaces (or water) used by wildlife or sick animals.
- Enjoy from a distance and hold off on backyard feeders: Wildlife feeding areas can cause crowding, spread illness between animals, and attract pests.
REPORT SICK OR DEAD WILDLIFE
At a University location
Use the EH&S Wildlife Reporting form or call (206) 543-7262.
Outside the University
- Wild birds: Use the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife report form.
- Domestic birds or poultry: Use the Washington State Department of Agriculture report form or call (800) 606-3056.
Visit the Pest Control and Wildlife Resources page for information on wildlife at the UW.
