Bird Flu Ravages WA Wildlife, Affecting Terns and Seals

An outbreak of bird flu has devastated a colony of Caspian terns on Rat Island near Port Townsend, Washington, killing over half of the adult birds and many chicks. The virus also affected harbor seals in the area, causing severe brain inflammation. The study, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, highlights the varied impact of bird flu on different species. The outbreak is part of a larger resurgence of the H5N1 virus in Washington, affecting both wildlife and poultry, with some human cases reported, though the risk to the general public remains low.