Bird Flu In Washington- Info and discussion thread

[Weeg]

In just the last few days, several cases of Bird Flu have been discovered and diagnosed in Washington. Pacific, Stevens, and now Roy have all been hit. If you are a poultry keeper in any of these locations, my heart goes out to you. I really hope you're able to protect all your birds and keep them safe.

For all of us Washtonians, what have you been doing now that its close to protect your birds? I'm working in overtime to get my covered run up. Oddly, when this started half of me didn't think it would make it to Wa, I was very wrong. Its beginning to get very scary.
Feel free to share updates on Flu cases in Wa, if you have personal experience with bird flu being in your area, your flock being within a quarantine zone, or bird flu in your flock. Share what your currently doing differently, or have been doing to protect your birds. And of course, offering support to all the Washtonians, (and anyone else from other areas that wants to join along,) who are in a high risk area or state. Inspiration for others on covering runs, covering materials, and ways to protect their birds are very welcome as well.
I hope it dissipates soon, but until then, this thread is open for discussion, updates, and support.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

I just saw that it has reached Wa recently.

So far I haven’t done anything yet-but I’m working on fixing the netting and maintaining the proper hygiene.

So far it’s not too close to my location-but I know how rapidly it spreads. I’d really really hate to have my flock euthanized. That would be terrible.


I also thought it was unlikely to reach Washington, I was hopeful it would just be a case or two and then go away-unfortunately that isn’t the case.

I’m kinda freaking out right now-it tears me up to think of saying goodbye to my 23 chickens, aged from 2 weeks to 5 years. I really am praying it doesn’t reach me.

 

[Weeg]

I just saw that it has reached Wa recently.

So far I haven’t done anything yet-but I’m working on fixing the netting and maintaining the proper hygiene.

So far it’s not too close to my location-but I know how rapidly it spreads. I’d really really hate to have my flock euthanized. That would be terrible.


I also thought it was unlikely to reach Washington, I was hopeful it would just be a case or two and then go away-unfortunately that isn’t the case.

I’m kinda freaking out right now-it tears me up to think of saying goodbye to my 23 chickens, aged from 2 weeks to 5 years. I really am praying it doesn’t reach me.

I hope your able to keep them safe, surely you will be able to do. The closest case is 2 and a half hours from me, so I'm pretty freaked out at this point. Only half of my birds are covered.

Its a horrible feeling. I've been working as fast as I can to get my next covered chicken tractor up for the rest of my birds. It should be done this week, but I keep thinking that is going to be to late, that they will get infected in that time.

Crossing my fingers for your birds, I hope others can find this thread useful as well.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Currently I only have bird netting-a tiny bit it covered. Unfortunately small birds can still sneak under the fence-I’m really nervous and don’t have the budget to completely cover the run (it’s 30 by 20 feet)

I hope yours stay safe as well!


Now I’m trying to decide if I can give chicks to my neighbors-they only have one hen and she could use the company, but now I don’t know... and I was going to go help with some construction on a chicken coop at my friends house-now I don’t know what to do!

Is it necessary to completely change clothes, and have a pair of shoes dedicated to the chicken coop?

 

[Lrpete]

In just the last few days, several cases of Bird Flu have been discovered and diagnosed in Washington. Pacific, Stevens, and now Roy have all been hit. If you are a poultry keeper in any of these locations, my heart goes out to you. I really hope you're able to protect all your birds and keep them safe.

For all of us Washtonians, what have you been doing now that its close to protect your birds? I'm working in overtime to get my covered run up. Oddly, when this started half of me didn't think it would make it to Wa, I was very wrong. Its beginning to get very scary.
Feel free to share updates on Flu cases in Wa, if you have personal experience with bird flu being in your area, your flock being within a quarantine zone, or bird flu in your flock. Share what your currently doing differently, or have been doing to protect your birds. And of course, offering support to all the Washtonians, (and anyone else from other areas that wants to join along,) who are in a high risk area or state. Inspiration for others on covering runs, covering materials, and ways to protect their birds are very welcome as well.
I hope it dissipates soon, but until then, this thread is open for discussion, updates, and support.

Oh noooooo!!!!!! I’m in Stevens County and haven’t heard anything about it here. I’ve had my head in the sand on this one thinking we’re safe. We live out in the country, fairly isolated in the mountains, and we back up to national forest. We have neighbors 2 miles up the road that raise chickens commercially for eggs and meat and haven’t heard anything from them.

What are the symptoms and how can I protect them? They coop at night but free range during the day. Also, we have no waterfowl, domestic or wild, around here.

 

[Weeg]

Is it necessary to completely change clothes, and have a pair of shoes dedicated to the chicken coop?

For ultimate biosecurity, yes, I think its a good idea.

Currently I only have bird netting-a tiny bit it covered. Unfortunately small birds can still sneak under the fence-I’m really nervous and don’t have the budget to completely cover the run (it’s 30 by 20 feet)

I hope yours stay safe as well!


Now I’m trying to decide if I can give chicks to my neighbors-they only have one hen and she could use the company, but now I don’t know... and I was going to go help with some construction on a chicken coop at my friends house-now I don’t know what to do!

Is it necessary to completely change clothes, and have a pair of shoes dedicated to the chicken coop?

You could get Mosquito netting. Its super cheep on Amazon, 14$ for 10x20 square. It would probably work pretty well to keep almost all feces out, and birds. Possibly something to consider.

 

[Weeg]

Oh noooooo!!!!!! I’m in Stevens County and haven’t heard anything about it here. I’ve had my head in the sand on this one thinking we’re safe. We live out in the country, fairly isolated in the mountains, and we back up to national forest. We have neighbors 2 miles up the road that raise chickens commercially for eggs and meat and haven’t heard anything from them.

What are the symptoms and how can I protect them? They coop at night but free range during the day.

You need to get them in a covered run where song birds can't get to them. Symptoms are sudden death.
There is a PNW FB poultry group that has a lot of info on cases. I wouldn't have know either if it wasn't for that. They seem to post cases faster than USDA.

Cheep greenhouses work good for instant runs, you can find them on Amazon.
I hope your able to get your birds safe. I'm in Whatcom County, and also secluded in the mountains. For some reason never thought it would make it close to me.

 

[Weeg]

I just found out that there was a case confirmed in my county....
I'm just ever so slightly freaking out. I got my run covered today, but song birds can still get in. Should have a covered run done by Saturday, its just so scary having it so close.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

I just am seeing that there's at least 5 cases in Washington now. Anyone know what counties?

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Also, I know this may not be answerable, but how long do you guys think this will last?

I was really hoping to show some chickens this summer/fall, but now I don't know.