Bird Flu Outbreak Hits Washington Dairy Workers

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — An avian influenza outbreak in Washington dairy herds has sickened at least three people and killed one, while farmworker advocates warn that the number of infected workers could be higher than official reports indicate.

The United Farm Workers (UFW) said Nov. 10 that it had spoken with dairy workers in the Yakima Valley who reported symptoms consistent with avian influenza but had not received testing. The union believes official case numbers may significantly undercount infections among workers exposed to sick cattle and contaminated milk.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture and Yakima Health District recently confirmed avian influenza, also known as bird flu, in dairy cattle in Yakima and Benton counties. These are the first known detections of the virus in Washington dairy herds.

Yakima County health officials have confirmed three human cases associated with contact with infected cattle. One person died after becoming ill. The individual had underlying health conditions.

The outbreak has also raised questions about worker protections, access to testing and the risks facing people who work directly with infected livestock.

Farmworkers Report Additional Illnesses

In a series of statements published Nov. 10, the United Farm Workers described conversations with dairy workers who reported illnesses but had not been tested for avian influenza.

Reported symptoms range from mild upper respiratory infections and conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, to severe flu-like illness. Workers described high fevers, severe coughing and significant body and bone pain.

The union said it had no reports indicating human-to-human transmission among the workers it contacted. Instead, reported exposures involved direct workplace contact with infected animals and milk.

UFW representatives also raised concerns that workers were not receiving adequate information about the risks of handling sick cattle or potentially contaminated milk.

Workers reportedly received conflicting instructions about how to handle affected cattle and milk. Some had been provided goggles and personal protective equipment, but the union said they needed more comprehensive training on exposure risks and protective practices.

Immigration Enforcement Adds to Worker Concerns

The union said an ongoing increase in federal immigration enforcement activity in the Yakima Valley has created additional barriers to identifying and assisting sick workers.

Many workers are reluctant to engage with public agencies, according to UFW. Some with milder symptoms are also reluctant to seek testing or miss work because sick cattle still require care.

The union said workers fear possible immigration-related retaliation if they do not follow employer instructions.

UFW is calling for better access to information, appropriate protective equipment, paid sick leave and testing and treatment for affected workers.

The organization also urged employers and public health agencies to consider seasonal flu vaccination clinics for dairy workers and their families. Although the seasonal flu vaccine does not prevent avian influenza, it can reduce the risk of someone becoming infected with seasonal and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

The union said workers who contract avian influenza through workplace exposure may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Those benefits can include missed wages, medical expenses and death benefits for surviving family members.

Bird Flu Also Confirmed at Monroe Park

The dairy outbreak is not the only recent detection of avian influenza in Washington.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed bird flu at Lake Tye Park in Monroe, according to a Nov. 9 update from the city.

Wildlife officials did not recommend closing the park but advised residents to avoid handling sick or dead birds and take precautions after contact with potentially infected wildlife.

The city recommended cleaning and disinfecting shoes and clothing after contact with sick birds to help prevent the spread of disease.

Signs of avian influenza in birds can include:

• Tilting or excessive shaking of the head.
• Lack of coordination or swimming in circles.
• Lethargic movements.

Residents who see sick or dead wild birds should report them through the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online reporting form.

For birds found in Monroe city parks, residents should also contact the Monroe Parks Department at 360-863-4559. Residents who find sick or dead birds on private property should follow state health department guidance for reporting and disposal.

Whatcom County Reports No Local Cases

The Whatcom County Health Department said the state outbreak highlights the importance of precautions for people who work with livestock, poultry and wildlife.

“This latest outbreak highlights the need to stay cautious. Dairy and poultry workers, backyard flock owners, hunters, and anyone who comes into contact with wildlife should take precautions to protect themselves and prevent the spread of bird flu.”

— Dr. Amy Harley, Whatcom County Health Officer

Whatcom County reported no known cases of bird flu in humans, farm animals or backyard poultry flocks so far this year.

The county said the risk of avian influenza infection to the general public in Washington remains low. Most human infections occur after close contact with infected animals, particularly when people do not use appropriate protective equipment.

Washington’s first reported human case of avian influenza occurred in October 2024 following exposure to infected birds at a poultry farm.

How to Reduce Exposure to Bird Flu

Public health officials recommend avoiding contact with sick or dead wild birds and other animals, even when they appear to have no obvious signs of illness. People should also avoid bird droppings and potentially contaminated surfaces.

People with occupational or recreational exposure to infected birds, cattle or other animals should use recommended personal protective equipment.

The state recommends the following precautions:

• Avoid handling sick or dead wild birds and animals.
• Do not consume raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk or raw milk cheeses.
• Keep pets away from raw milk, raw dairy products and raw meat.
• Wash hands after contact with animals or potentially contaminated surfaces.
• Get the seasonal influenza vaccine to reduce the risk of simultaneous infection with seasonal and avian influenza.

Backyard poultry owners should cover coops and runs to prevent contact between domestic birds and wild birds. Officials also recommend dedicated clothing and footwear when caring for poultry, regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment, and daily changes of food and water.

People who find sick domestic birds, including chickens and ducks, should report them to the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Avian Health Program at 1-800-606-3056 or through its online reporting form.

Sick livestock, including cattle, should be isolated and reported to WSDA at 360-902-1878 or ahealth@agr.wa.gov.

The state also advises people to contact their local health department if they develop flu-like symptoms after exposure to potentially infected animals. Public health officials can provide guidance and arrange symptom monitoring.

Pasteurized Milk Remains Safe

Despite the outbreak in dairy herds, public health officials say consumers face no reasonable risk from drinking properly pasteurized milk.

Pasteurization kills avian influenza viruses in milk. Raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products, however, can carry infectious pathogens and should be avoided.

The United Farm Workers emphasized that dairy employees and workers who process raw milk face the most direct exposure.

The union described those workers as the human firewall against the spread of avian influenza, arguing that protecting people on the front lines of dairy production also helps protect the broader public.

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