Bird Flu Cases in Washington 2025
Washington state experienced a devastating return of bird flu cases throughout 2025, marking one of the most challenging years for avian health in the Pacific Northwest. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain continued its relentless spread across domestic and wild bird populations, affecting both commercial operations and backyard flocks. Washington has detected the virus in over 50 flocks since the outbreak began in 2022, with 2025 witnessing a resurgence of cases particularly during fall migration periods. The state’s location along major migratory bird routes has made it especially vulnerable to repeated introductions of the virus from wild waterfowl traveling through the region.
The 2025 bird flu situation in Washington took a tragic turn when the state reported its first human case in nine months and, devastatingly, the nation’s first death from the H5N5 strain. A Grays Harbor County resident, an older adult with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized in early November 2025 with severe symptoms including high fever, confusion, and respiratory distress, and died on November 21, 2025. This case represented a significant milestone as it was the first-ever confirmed human infection with the H5N5 variant globally, distinguishing it from the more common H5N1 strain that had affected 70 people across the United States during 2024 and early 2025. Despite this devastating loss, health authorities emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low, with no evidence of person-to-person transmission and no additional cases identified among close contacts.
Interesting Facts About Bird Flu in Washington in US 2025
| Fact Category | Details | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| First Human H5N5 Case Globally | Washington resident became the first confirmed human infection with H5N5 strain worldwide in November 2025 | Marked a new variant never before detected in humans |
| Total Flocks Affected Since 2022 | Over 50 flocks infected across Washington, including 52 backyard and 4 commercial operations | Represents significant agricultural and economic impact |
| Counties Impacted in 2025 | 6 different counties reported confirmed cases between January-November 2025 | Shows widespread geographic distribution across the state |
| Birds Affected Statewide | More than 4 million birds impacted across 21 Washington counties since 2022 | Demonstrates massive scale of outbreak |
| Human Fatality Rate | 1 death from H5N5 in Washington; 2 total deaths in US during 2025 | First H5N5 human death globally |
| Peak Detection Period | Fall and winter months (October-November 2025) showed highest detection rates | Coincides with wild bird migration patterns |
| Backyard vs Commercial | 5 backyard flock detections and 2 commercial flock detections in 2025 | Backyard flocks disproportionately affected |
| No Dairy Cattle Cases | Zero confirmed cases in Washington dairy farms through 2025 | Contrasts with other states experiencing dairy herd infections |
Data Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture, Washington State Department of Health, CDC, November 2025
The data reveals several critical patterns in Washington’s 2025 bird flu outbreak. The first-ever H5N5 human case globally occurred in Grays Harbor County in November 2025, resulting in Washington’s first and the nation’s second bird flu-related human fatality of the year. Since the outbreak’s inception in 2022, Washington has documented infections across more than 50 flocks, affecting over 4 million birds in 21 counties. The 2025 calendar year specifically recorded 6 confirmed flock infections between January and November, with 5 backyard flocks and 2 commercial operations testing positive. The seasonal pattern remained consistent with previous years, as fall migration (October-November) represented the period of highest detection rates when wild waterfowl migrate through the Pacific Flyway. Notably, Washington has maintained zero confirmed cases in dairy cattle, distinguishing it from states like California where dairy herds experienced significant H5N1 infections during 2024-2025.
The geographic distribution shows vulnerability across both coastal and inland regions, with Grays Harbor, Whatcom, Snohomish, Grant, Mason, and Franklin counties all reporting confirmed detections in 2025. The disproportionate impact on backyard flocks (representing 71% of 2025 cases) highlights the challenges small-scale poultry keepers face in implementing biosecurity measures compared to commercial operations with dedicated veterinary oversight and strict protocols. The absence of dairy cattle infections in Washington, despite widespread detections in over 700 dairy herds across 16 states nationally during 2024-2025, suggests effective separation between avian and dairy operations within the state, though vigilance remains essential as the virus continues evolving.
Monthly Bird Flu Detections in Washington in US 2025
| Month | Number of Flocks Detected | Counties Affected | Flock Types | Total Bird Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | 1 | Franklin | Commercial | Chickens |
| February 2025 | 1 | Mason | Backyard | Ducks |
| March 2025 | 0 | None | N/A | N/A |
| April 2025 | 0 | None | N/A | N/A |
| May 2025 | 0 | None | N/A | N/A |
| June 2025 | 0 | None | N/A | N/A |
| July 2025 | 0 | None | N/A | N/A |
| August 2025 | 0 | None | N/A | N/A |
| September 2025 | 0 | None | N/A | N/A |
| October 2025 | 1 | Grant | Commercial | Chickens |
| November 2025 | 3 | Snohomish, Whatcom, Grays Harbor | Backyard | Ducks, Mixed, Mixed |
| Total 2025 | 6 | 6 counties | 4 backyard, 2 commercial | Multiple species |
Data Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture, Updated November 20, 2025
The monthly breakdown of bird flu detections in Washington during 2025 demonstrates a distinct seasonal pattern aligned with migratory bird movements. The year began with 2 confirmed cases in January and February 2025, affecting a large commercial chicken operation in Franklin County and a small backyard duck flock in Mason County. Following these early-year detections, Washington experienced a remarkable seven-month period without any confirmed cases from March through September 2025, providing temporary relief to poultry producers and backyard enthusiasts. This mid-year lull is consistent with reduced wild bird migration activity during spring and summer breeding seasons when waterfowl remain in northern nesting grounds.
The situation changed dramatically during the fall migration period, with October and November 2025 accounting for 4 of the year’s 6 total detections (67% of annual cases). October 2025 saw a large commercial chicken operation in Grant County test positive, affecting thousands of birds. November 2025 became the most active month with 3 separate detections across Grays Harbor, Whatcom, and Snohomish counties, all involving small backyard flocks with mixed poultry or ducks. This surge coincided precisely with the southward fall migration of waterfowl through the Pacific Flyway, when millions of wild birds pass through Washington carrying the virus. The concentration of 75% of 2025 cases in just two months (October-November) underscores the critical importance of heightened biosecurity during migration seasons and validates the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s emphasis on flock protection measures during these high-risk periods.
County-Specific Bird Flu Distribution in Washington in US 2025
| County | Number of Cases 2025 | Flock Size Category | Commercial or Backyard | Primary Bird Types Affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin County | 1 | Large (1,000+ birds) | Commercial | Chickens |
| Mason County | 1 | Small (<100 birds) | Backyard | Ducks |
| Grant County | 1 | Large (1,000+ birds) | Commercial | Chickens |
| Snohomish County | 1 | Small (<100 birds) | Backyard | Ducks |
| Whatcom County | 1 | Small (<100 birds) | Backyard | Mixed |
| Grays Harbor County | 1 | Small (<100 birds) | Backyard | Mixed |
| Total Counties | 6 | 2 large, 4 small | 2 commercial, 4 backyard | Chickens, ducks, mixed |
Data Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture, November 2025
The geographic distribution of bird flu cases across Washington counties in 2025 reveals important patterns about transmission risks and vulnerable regions. Six different counties experienced confirmed detections, spanning from the coastal region (Grays Harbor) to the eastern agricultural zones (Franklin and Grant counties), demonstrating the virus’s ability to affect diverse geographic areas across the state. Franklin County and Grant County both reported large commercial chicken operations testing positive in January and October 2025 respectively, representing the most economically significant detections due to flock sizes exceeding 1,000 birds each. These eastern Washington counties are major centers of commercial poultry production, making any outbreak particularly concerning for the state’s agricultural economy.
The four backyard flock detections occurred in Mason, Snohomish, Whatcom, and Grays Harbor counties, all involving small flocks of fewer than 100 birds. Whatcom County, located in the northwest corner bordering Canada, experienced a backyard detection in November 2025, highlighting risks along the Canadian border where wild bird populations cross freely. Grays Harbor County’s detection in November 2025 gained additional significance as this same county reported the nation’s first human H5N5 death, though authorities have not confirmed whether the human case was directly linked to the detected backyard flock. Snohomish County, which recorded a backyard duck flock infection in November 2025, has now experienced cases in three consecutive years (2022, 2024, 2025), suggesting persistent environmental contamination or particularly high wild bird traffic through the region. The concentration of 4 out of 6 cases (67%) in backyard settings emphasizes the ongoing challenge of ensuring adequate biosecurity practices among small-scale poultry keepers who may lack resources, training, or infrastructure available to commercial operations.
Flock Size Analysis for Bird Flu in Washington in US 2025
| Flock Size Category | Number of Flocks Affected | Percentage of Total Cases | Estimated Total Birds Affected | Operations Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (<100 birds) | 4 | 67% | 200-400 birds | Backyard hobby flocks |
| Medium (100-1,000 birds) | 0 | 0% | 0 birds | None detected in 2025 |
| Large (1,000+ birds) | 2 | 33% | 2,000+ birds | Commercial operations |
| Total | 6 | 100% | 2,200-2,400+ birds | Mixed |
Data Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture, November 2025
The flock size distribution of bird flu cases in Washington during 2025 presents a bimodal pattern with significant implications for disease management strategies. Small backyard flocks accounted for 4 of the 6 total detections (67%), affecting an estimated 200-400 birds collectively across these operations. These backyard flocks typically consist of hobby enthusiasts, families raising chickens for eggs, or small-scale duck keepers who maintain flocks ranging from a dozen to fewer than 100 birds. While the absolute number of birds affected in these operations is relatively modest, the proportion of cases is striking and reflects fundamental challenges in biosecurity implementation at the hobbyist level.
The two large commercial operations that tested positive in 2025 (in Franklin County in January and Grant County in October) represented 33% of total cases but likely accounted for over 2,000 birds affected, potentially much higher depending on specific flock sizes at the time of detection. Commercial operations categorized as “large” maintain at least 1,000 birds, with many chicken operations housing tens of thousands of birds in single facilities. The complete absence of medium-sized flock infections (100-1,000 birds) during 2025 is noteworthy, as this category often includes small commercial operations, larger hobby farms, and transitional operations. This gap may reflect either better biosecurity practices in this intermediate category or simply statistical variation in a relatively small sample size. The data underscores that while backyard flocks face higher infection rates proportionally, commercial operations represent substantially greater economic risk due to flock size, with a single large-scale detection potentially requiring depopulation of thousands or tens of thousands of birds and causing millions of dollars in economic losses to producers and the broader poultry industry.
Bird Species Affected by Bird Flu in Washington in US 2025
| Bird Type | Number of Flocks | Percentage | Typical Setting | Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chickens | 2 | 33% | Commercial layers/broilers | High-density housing, commercial scale |
| Ducks | 2 | 33% | Backyard ponds/flocks | Water access increases wild bird contact |
| Mixed Poultry | 2 | 33% | Backyard diverse flocks | Multiple species, varied biosecurity |
| Total | 6 | 100% | Various | Multiple transmission routes |
Data Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture, November 2025
The species breakdown of bird flu-affected flocks in Washington during 2025 reveals equal distribution across three major categories, each with distinct risk profiles. Chickens accounted for 2 of the 6 cases (33%), both occurring in large commercial operations in eastern Washington counties (Franklin and Grant). Commercial chicken operations, whether producing eggs or meat, maintain birds in high-density housing with potentially tens of thousands of individuals in close proximity, creating ideal conditions for rapid viral spread once introduced. These operations implement strict biosecurity protocols including controlled access, designated footwear, hand-washing stations, and limited wild bird exposure, yet the virus still found entry points, likely through contaminated equipment, feed delivery, or wild bird droppings near ventilation systems.
Duck flocks similarly represented 2 cases (33%), both involving small backyard operations in Mason and Snohomish counties detected in February and November 2025 respectively. Ducks present unique transmission challenges because they are naturally drawn to water sources—ponds, streams, or even small backyard water features—which become contamination hotspots when wild waterfowl visit. Wild ducks can shed massive quantities of virus through fecal material in water, and domestic ducks sharing these water sources face extremely high exposure risks. The remaining 2 cases (33%) involved mixed backyard poultry flocks in Whatcom and Grays Harbor counties, both detected in November 2025. Mixed flocks typically include various combinations of chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, or guinea fowl maintained together in backyard settings. These diverse operations face compounded risks as different species have varying susceptibility levels and may exhibit different clinical signs, making early detection more challenging. The equal distribution across categories suggests HPAI in 2025 was opportunistic, exploiting vulnerabilities wherever biosecurity gaps existed rather than targeting specific species, emphasizing that all poultry types require robust protection measures regardless of whether they’re commercial chickens, backyard ducks, or mixed hobbyist flocks.
Human Health Impact of Bird Flu in Washington in US 2025
| Human Health Metric | Washington 2025 Data | National US Comparison 2025 | Historical Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirmed Human Cases | 1 case | 70+ cases nationally (2024-2025) | First H5N5 human case globally |
| Human Fatalities | 1 death (H5N5 strain) | 2 deaths nationally in 2025 | Washington’s first bird flu death |
| Strain Identified | H5N5 variant | Primarily H5N1 elsewhere | Novel variant never seen in humans |
| Patient Demographics | Older adult with underlying conditions | Varied ages, mostly occupational exposure | High-risk population |
| Transmission Source | Unknown, no animal exposure identified | Primarily dairy/poultry workers | Unusual epidemiology |
| Public Risk Level | Low | Low | No person-to-person transmission |
| Close Contact Cases | 0 additional cases | No sustained transmission | Surveillance ongoing |
Data Source: Washington State Department of Health, CDC, November 2025
The human health dimension of bird flu in Washington during 2025 took a tragic and unprecedented turn with the state’s first confirmed human case and first fatality. An older Grays Harbor County resident was hospitalized in early November 2025 with severe respiratory symptoms, high fever, and confusion, testing positive for an H5N5 strain of avian influenza—a variant never before detected in human infections globally. The patient died on November 21, 2025, marking Washington’s first bird flu-related human death and the second fatal case in the United States during 2025 (following a Louisiana case earlier in the year). What makes this case particularly puzzling and concerning to epidemiologists is that the patient reportedly had no known exposure to infected animals, contrasting sharply with the typical profile of human bird flu cases which almost exclusively occur in individuals with direct occupational contact with infected poultry or dairy cattle.
Despite the severity of this individual case, public health authorities emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low. The Washington State Department of Health and CDC conducted extensive contact tracing, monitoring everyone who had close contact with the patient during their illness, and zero additional cases emerged from this investigation, confirming no evidence of person-to-person transmission. Nationally, the United States has reported over 70 human cases of avian influenza (primarily H5N1) during 2024-2025, with the vast majority involving dairy workers or poultry workers with direct animal contact. The emergence of the H5N5 variant in Washington represents a concerning development because it demonstrates the virus’s continued evolution and ability to generate novel strains capable of infecting humans. Health authorities continue monitoring for any changes in the virus’s transmissibility while maintaining that sporadic cases from animal-to-human transmission, while tragic, do not indicate pandemic potential without evidence of efficient human-to-human spread. The state maintains heightened surveillance protocols and recommends that anyone working with poultry or experiencing unexplained respiratory illness after potential bird exposure seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers of any animal contact history.
Economic Impact of Bird Flu in Washington in US 2025
| Economic Factor | Washington 2025 Impact | Estimated Financial Loss | Industry Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Flocks Affected | 2 large operations | $500,000-$2,000,000+ | Egg/chicken production |
| Birds Depopulated | 2,000+ birds (commercial only) | Direct loss of livestock value | Poultry farmers |
| Backyard Flocks Lost | 4 small flocks, 200-400 birds | $5,000-$20,000 | Hobby farmers, small producers |
| Federal Indemnification | Compensation for confirmed cases | Partial recovery of losses | All affected producers |
| Market Disruptions | Trade restrictions, consumer concerns | Regional market volatility | Statewide poultry industry |
| Disease Control Costs | Testing, quarantine, disposal | State/federal emergency response | Government agencies |
| Cumulative Since 2022 | 50+ flocks, 4+ million birds | $10+ million estimated | Entire Washington poultry sector |
Data Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture, USDA APHIS, November 2025
The economic consequences of bird flu in Washington during 2025 extended across multiple dimensions of the state’s poultry industry and agricultural economy. The two large commercial operations that tested positive (Franklin County in January and Grant County in October) represented the most significant financial impacts, with each likely requiring depopulation of thousands of birds valued collectively between $500,000 to over $2 million depending on flock size, bird age, and production type. Commercial layer operations producing eggs face particularly high losses because birds near peak production represent substantial investments in raising pullets to point-of-lay age, approximately 20-24 weeks, with all that investment lost when flocks must be destroyed. Beyond direct livestock losses, these operations face extended downtime for cleaning, disinfection, and the minimum 120-day quarantine period before restocking, resulting in months of zero production and continued fixed costs.
The four backyard flock detections, while affecting far fewer birds (200-400 total), still represented meaningful losses to small-scale producers and hobby farmers, estimated at $5,000-$20,000 collectively considering bird value, lost production, and emotional attachment many backyard keepers have to their flocks. Federal indemnification programs administered by USDA provide compensation to producers for birds destroyed due to HPAI, helping offset direct losses, though payments rarely cover full economic damage including lost production time, business disruption, and emotional toll. Market-level impacts rippled through Washington’s poultry sector as consumers questioned egg and poultry safety (despite zero risk from properly handled products) and some buyers implemented additional supplier verification requirements. Since the outbreak began in 2022, Washington has experienced infections in over 50 flocks affecting more than 4 million birds across 21 counties, with cumulative economic losses estimated to exceed $10 million when considering direct livestock losses, indemnification payments, disease surveillance costs, emergency response, laboratory testing, and broader market disruptions. The repeated nature of these outbreaks, with cases in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, creates ongoing uncertainty for producers trying to plan investments and expansion in a climate of persistent disease risk that shows no signs of abating given continued circulation in wild bird populations.
Biosecurity Measures for Bird Flu Prevention in Washington in US 2025
| Biosecurity Practice | Effectiveness Level | Target Audience | Implementation Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Barriers | High | All flock owners | Enclosed housing, netting, fencing |
| Water Source Management | Critical for ducks | Backyard duck keepers | Covered water, prevent wild bird access |
| Foot/Equipment Disinfection | High | All poultry handlers | Boot baths, dedicated footwear, cleaning protocols |
| Feed Storage Protection | Moderate-High | All flock owners | Covered containers, rodent-proof storage |
| Wild Bird Deterrents | Moderate | All operations | Remove attractants, scare devices, habitat modification |
| Flock Observation | Critical for early detection | All owners | Daily health checks, know normal behaviors |
| Movement Restrictions | High during outbreaks | Commercial operations | Quarantine zones, permit requirements |
| Visitor Limitations | High | Commercial farms | Controlled access, shower-in facilities |
Data Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture, USDA Defend the Flock Program, 2025
Biosecurity practices represent the primary defense against bird flu introduction in Washington poultry flocks, with effectiveness varying based on implementation quality and consistency. Physical barriers that completely separate domestic birds from wild bird contact offer the highest protection level, including fully enclosed housing with roofs or protective netting that prevents wild waterfowl from landing in domestic bird areas. The six flock detections in Washington during 2025 likely all involved biosecurity breaches where wild bird viral material—whether through direct contact, contaminated water, or fecal droppings—reached domestic poultry. Water source management emerges as particularly critical for duck operations; the two duck flock infections in 2025 (Mason and Snohomish counties) highlight risks when domestic ducks access ponds or water features also visited by wild waterfowl that shed virus through fecal contamination.
Foot and equipment disinfection protocols form another crucial defense layer, as the virus can spread through contaminated boots, tools, vehicles, or clothing moving between locations. Commercial operations typically maintain strict disinfection stations and dedicated footwear that never leaves the property, practices that backyard flock keepers often overlook despite facing equal or higher risks due to wildlife exposure. Daily flock observation enables early detection of illness—appetite changes, respiratory signs, sudden deaths, or decreased egg production—allowing rapid response before virus spreads extensively within the flock or to other nearby operations. The Washington State Department of Agriculture maintains a 24-hour Sick Bird Hotline (1-800-606-3056) for reporting suspected cases, and early reporting triggers rapid testing and response that can limit outbreak scope. The state’s Defend the Flock program provides free biosecurity education, with particular emphasis during October-November migration seasons when four of Washington’s six 2025 cases occurred (67%). During active outbreak periods, movement restrictions and quarantine zones established around confirmed cases prevent virus spread through poultry movement, requiring special permits for moving birds, eggs, or equipment from affected areas. Sustained implementation of comprehensive biosecurity measures across all flock types—commercial and backyard, large and small—remains essential for reducing Washington’s vulnerability to continued HPAI circulation that shows no signs of disappearing from North American wild bird populations.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
