[Tweeters] avian flu impacting Caspian Terns at Fort Flagler

[Steve Hampton]

I'm sorry to report that the tern colony here -- about 1,000 birds and with
eggs just hatching -- is being decimated by avian flu. This is (was) the
only Caspian Tern colony in Puget Sound this year. Avian flu in wild
species is a relatively recent phenomenon. The UN task force on avian flu
just released this excellent summary:
https://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/publication/CMS-FAO-TF_avian_influenza_statement_July2023.pdf


Here is a draft article I wrote for the local paper, which summarizes
events here, along with potential risks to dogs (high) and humans (low):

An outbreak of avian flu has struck wildlife on Rat Island, the sandbar
between Fort Flagler campground and Indian Island. In response, Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has closed the island to avoid
disturbance, which could spread the virus.

Sam Kaviar, owner of Olympic Kayak Tours, noticed several dead Caspian
terns on the island on July 10. Intimately familiar with wildlife in the
area, he suspected something amiss and called WDFW. A biologist responded
and collected several carcasses. On July 12, tests confirmed the presence
of avian flu. Since then, dozens of dead and dying terns have been
observed, mostly on the island but also at Fort Flagler and further south
on Marrowstone Island.

Historically associated with poultry operations, WDFW veterinarian Katie
Haman explained that avian flu in wild birds is a recent phenomenon,
arriving in Washington last year. In other places, it has resulted in high
mortality to waterfowl, gulls, terns, eagles, and corvids (ravens, crows,
jays). Other species may be vulnerable as well. Spread to foxes and seals
has been documented. Because the virus is spread through contact with
fluids, dogs sniffing bird droppings or carcasses on the beach could be at
risk. While human cases are very rare (only one in the US last year – and
that from a worker removing dead chickens), the risk of mortality is high.

State Parks has put up warning signs at the campground, and WDFW has put up
closure signs around the island. This affects both shellfish gathering and
kayak landings. Jefferson County Public Health is monitoring the outbreak
and has issued an alert.

Haman noted that this outbreak, coming in the summer, brings together a
perfect storm of wildlife and human risk factors. In addition to the terns,
which nest in high density, there are nesting gulls and oystercatchers on
the island. A haul-out of harbor seals, with pups, is nearby, and within a
few feet of some of the dead birds. Eagles regularly patrol, looking for
dead animals to scavenge. A stone’s throw from the island, campers from
Fort Flagler regularly walk out on the spit, often with dogs.

Currently, the virus is centered at the tern colony, the only one in Puget
Sound this year. The colony is estimated at about a thousand adults. The
eggs are just beginning to hatch. It typically takes a month for the chicks
to be able to fly. Data analysis by eBird shows that Caspian terns are
declining nationwide, with a 78% drop locally since 2007. Friends of Fort
Flagler, which has issued a press release about the outbreak, currently
runs a volunteer docent program to protect the colony from disturbance.
WDFW is now training the monitors how to respond to dead and dying
wildlife. Dead wildlife should not be touched without protective equipment.
The public is asked to report sick and dead wildlife to local park
representatives or online at wdfw.wa.gov/sickwildlife.

-- 
Steve Hampton
Port Townsend, WA  (qatáy)
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