A Washington state resident has died after contracting bird flu at a dairy farm, marking the first bird flu-related death in the United States this year, officials said Sunday.
The Yakima County resident was exposed to infected cattle while at the dairy operation, according to local health authorities.
Officials did not disclose the individual’s identity or other personal information. They said, however, that the person had underlying health conditions, was hospitalized and later died from the illness.
Authorities said at least three people in Washington have contracted bird flu following exposure at a dairy farm.
The Yakima Health District is coordinating with the Washington State Department of Health to track those individuals and monitor people who had close contact with the person who died, ABC News reported.
Health officials cautioned that dairy workers face an elevated risk of exposure to the virus.
Recent testing has detected bird flu in 33 dairy herds across the state. The virus is widespread among birds, cattle and other animals.
This is the third reported human death linked to bird flu since the virus emerged as a broader public health concern in 2024.
Previous fatalities included an elderly Louisiana resident in 2025 and another Washington state resident that same year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bird flu is not known to spread between people, and the overall risk to the general public remains low.
The CDC told ABC News that genetic analysis of the virus found in Washington showed no changes suggesting that it has become more transmissible among humans.
