With notable cases of bird flu in the Northwest, how concerned should Washingtonians be?

Bird flu has spread at astonishing speed and with little discretion for what it infects.

Since first emerging, the strain of H5N1 has infected wild birds, commercially raised chickens, seals, dairy cows, and, yes, even humans.

Late last week, Woodland Park Zoo announced that a red breasted goose died in a suspected case of bird flu. The zoo quickly isolated birds and restricted access to them. 

Meanwhile, just north of Washington in British Columbia, a teenager was hospitalized in critical condition after contracting bird flu. The teen had no known contact with infected animals.

This comes after 11 Washington farm workers contracted the virus in October. 

As the Northwest sees notable bird flu events, how much do we need to be concerned?

Guest:

Dr. Peter Rabinowitz, professor, physician, and director of the University of Washington’s Center for One Health Research.

Relevant Links:

KUOW: With the U.S. bird flu outbreak uncontained, scientists see growing risks

KUOW: Bird flu is now spreading to cattle. Should Washington dairy farmers be worried?

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