Bird Flu Found In Grant County Geese

Four wild snow geese in Grant County have tested positive for Avian Influenza, also known as Bird Flu.

Monica Mecham with the Grant County Health District said two separate discoveries were made last week by a Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist and a Moses Lake veterinarian.

"The symptoms of Bird Flu in birds is seizing, twitching, convulsing and then they eventually die," Mecham said.

Grant County residents are asked not to touch any sick or dead birds and instead report them. Sick and dead domestic birds should be reported to the Washington State Department of Agriculture at 1-800-606-3056. Wild birds that are sick or dying should be reported to the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife online.

Mecham said that many residents that raise domestic birds such as chickens are keeping them in their coop "24-7". She recommends that those that are raising domestic birds clean off or change their shoes before going into their birds' enclosure to reduce the chance of spreading Bird Flu.

The Center for Disease Control says the risk Bird Flue poses to people is very low.