OLYMPIA, WA — A domestic outdoor cat in Grant County has died after testing positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture.

State officials said the cat likely contracted the virus after contact with a deceased wild bird. Grant County Health District and state health agencies are working with the pet’s owners, and no human infections have been linked to the case.

The cat was an outdoor pet, and officials said wild bird exposure is considered the most likely source of infection. Recent surveillance has detected avian influenza in multiple wild bird species and some mammals across Washington.

Agriculture officials are urging pet owners, particularly those with outdoor animals, to take precautions during periods of increased wildlife disease activity. Recommendations include keeping cats indoors when possible, limiting unsupervised outdoor time, avoiding raw milk or uncooked meat diets, and contacting a veterinarian if pets show signs of illness.

The department emphasized the case is not linked to contaminated commercial pet food. This is the first confirmed case in Washington of a domestic cat contracting bird flu through exposure to an infected wild bird.