MonroeWednesday, November 4
More than 30 dead birds at Monroe's Lake Tye Park spark bird flu worries
The Daily Everett team
If you head to Lake Tye Park in Monroe, keep your distance from the birds. The city is tracking a suspected avian flu outbreak, and Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Teague said his team has found 34 dead birds there since Saturday. Monroe has contacted the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), which is investigating, and bird flu hasn't been confirmed at the park.
34dead birds found at Lake Tye Park since Saturday
That's the count Monroe's parks director gave KIRO 7.
Source: KIRO 7 News Seattle
The city's advisory says not to handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead. If you come in contact with a sick bird, clean and disinfect your shoes and clothes. The city has said several birds were found dead, and WDFW posted precautions for people who feed birds or hunt waterfowl.
WDFW's precautions cover feeders, hunters and pets
| Situation | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Sick or dead bird | Report it; don't touch or move it |
| Cleaning harvested birds | Wear disposable gloves |
| Tools and work surfaces | Soap and water, then 10% bleach |
| Cooking game birds | 155 to 165 degrees F inside |
| Pets | Don't let them scavenge |
Source: FOX 13 Seattle
- Cause: not confirmed; WDFW is investigating
- Western Washington: bird flu confirmed by wildlife officials last week
- Yakima County: one person died; risk to the public remains low
- Yakima County: another person had a confirmed, milder case
Sources: KIRO 7 News Seattle, FOX 13 Seattle, KING5.com