Washington state officials with the Department of Agriculture have confirmed the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Grant County this season, affecting a commercial poultry facility in Moses Lake. Sick birds were reported on Oct. 7, and laboratory tests have since confirmed the presence of the virus.

Veterinarians from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) are on site working to contain the outbreak and prevent the virus from spreading to nearby flocks. Officials are urging all poultry owners, from large operations to backyard flocks, to strengthen biosecurity measures.

“This first detection of the season reminds us that highly pathogenic avian influenza remains a threat to all domestic poultry — large or small — statewide,” said Dr. Amber Itle, Was

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