Bird flu kills barn owls at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Two barn owls were found dead in one of the Twin Barns in the Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge in Thurston County. The two owls died of avian influenza, or bird flu, according to a social media post from the wildlife refuge on Dec. 19.
According to the post, the refuge’s biologist and his assistant put on protective gear and collected the owls to be tested in a lab. Results came back positive for avian influenza. The post said the collectors are safe and well, thanks to the precautionary measures they took.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, bird flu “is a contagious viral disease of domestic and wild birds. It’s a major threat to the poultry industry, animal health, trade, and the economy worldwide.”
It can vary in severity depending on the strain and species affected, according to the USDA. And low-level strains of the virus occur naturally in wild birds around the world.
The post said that if you find a dead bird, don’t touch it. And if it’s at the refuge, you can call 360-753-9467. You can report off-refuge dead birds to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife on the North Cascades Audubon Society’s website.
WDFW spokesperson Bridget Mire said such deaths aren’t unheard of, as bird flu has been confirmed in owls throughout the country. She said the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service posts detections of the virus on its website.
“Avian influenza is not easily transferrable to people, especially if they take precautions and practice good hygiene,” she said. “People should not touch sick or dead birds, including trying to catch or transport them. Unfortunately, no treatments or vaccinations are available for this disease.”
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