Washington State authorities have confirmed a second case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5 bird flu) detected in a wild bird. Agriculture Minister Julie Cook announced the finding, raising concerns about potential spread within the state’s bird populations. This marks the second confirmed case in Washington, prompting increased surveillance and monitoring efforts by state agricultural officials. The specific type of H5 virus was not detailed in the announcement. Authorities are urging bird owners to practice heightened biosecurity measures to protect their flocks. The discovery follows similar outbreaks in other parts of the country, highlighting the ongoing risk posed by the virus to both wild and domestic birds. Further testing and analysis are underway to determine the extent of the outbreak.