Fall bird migration raises risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza; local backyard poultry flock euthanized
KTVZ
Update: Adding video
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — As wild birds begin to migrate during the transition into fall, the risk for transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to domestic birds will increase, as seen recently in five backyard poultry flocks, one in Deschutes County, the Oregon Department of Agriculture said Tuesday.
So far in October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed the presence of HPAI in five mixed-species backyard poultry flocks located in Deschutes, Malheur, and Wallowa counties – three of them in Wallowa County alone, according to a news release that continues in full below:
Samples from the flocks initially were sent to the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University for testing. OSU confirmed the presence of HPAI, and NVSL verified the results a few days later in each case.
In response, Dr. Ryan Scholz, the State Veterinarian for the Oregon Department of Agriculture, placed the farms under quarantine. A team from the ODA then humanely euthanized all the poultry on the properties.
ODA said that none of the animals from the farms entered the food supply chain or were intended for the commercial food market.
Since May of 2022, Oregon has reported three affected commercial poultry flocks and 47 backyard flocks.
It is essential to note that when meat and egg products are properly prepared and cooked, HPAI does not pose a risk, and these food items remain safe for consumption. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products to protect your health.
Now is the time to review and implement biosecurity protocols to reduce disease transmission from wild to domestic birds or livestock.
Restrict access to your property and keep your birds away from other birds.
Keep a designated pair of shoes to wear around your birds, wash your clothing after visiting them, and use disinfectants correctly.
Clean and disinfect cages, poultry equipment, and car tires after visiting a farm store, poultry swap, or other location with birds present.
Keep new birds separate from your flock for 30 days; quarantine returning birds from the rest of your flock after visiting a poultry swap or other event.
Do not share equipment or supplies with others, but if you must, disinfect them first.
Wash your hands before and after bird handling.
Any instances of death or illness among domestic birds should be reported immediately to the ODA by calling 503-986-4711.
More details can be found at ODA’s Avian Influenza webpage.
To report the death of wild birds, please get in touch with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Refrain from collecting or handling the birds; instead, call 1-866-968-2600 or email Wildlife.Health@odfw.oregon.gov.