Jackson County, Oregon – Jackson County’s first Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) case has been verified by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The case was found in a backyard flock of geese and poultry, which led state officials in agriculture and health to become more alert in trying to stop the spread.
A two-stage testing technique confirmed the detection. Samples from the infected flock were initially analyzed by the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL) at Oregon State University (OSU). OSU confirmed the existence of HPAI on October 30 following this initial examination; NVSL of the USDA validated the results on November 1. Managed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), the confirmation has put the site under strict quarantine.
Highlighting that first concern is always animal health and the public, State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz underlined that the ODA and USDA moved quickly to quarantine the virus on the site. This quarantine guarantees that the illness stays limited and helps to minimize any possible spread from the sick flock. To reduce risk, all of the chickens on the impacted farm were humanely euthanized . None of the flock’s birds were ever meant for commercial sale, therefore preserving the food source free from contamination.
Previous HPAI outbreaks among poultry have occurred in Oregon, particularly in fall and spring during times of maximum migration when wild birds are typically taken to their seasonal habitats. Oregon has had incidences in three commercial poultry farms and 48 backyard flocks since May 2022 This most recent confirmation in Jackson County emphasizes how vulnerable local flocks are to HPAI, especially if migratory birds still fly across the state. Recent events also revealed a case involving a pig in Crook County following co-mingling with sick chickens and duck. As a precaution, every animal on that land was also euthanized.
Although HPAI seriously threatens birds, the USDA and health departments have been fast to reassure individuals about food safety.
“None of the animals on the farm entered the food supply chain, nor were they intended for the commercial food market,” USDA said. “It’s important to note that when properly prepared and cooked, HPAI does not affect meat or egg products, and these food items remain safe. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products to protect your health.”
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Controlling the spread of HPAI still depends mostly on biosecurity, hence both the ODA and USDA have developed recommendations for farmers, backyard bird owners, and cattle handlers. Preventing contacts between domestic poultry and wild birds—especially ducks suspected to carry the virus—is part of basic biosecurity measures. Regular sanitization of tools, equipment, and clothes as well as avoiding contact with other animals can also help in limiting the spread of the virus. Experts underline that the most important things are keeping a clean surroundings, cleaning hands before and after handling birds, and reducing visitors to places with domestic flocks.
Should mortality or disease among domestic birds be noted, owners should notify the ODA immediately by calling 503-986-4711, toll-free at 1-800-347-7028. The public should also avoid handling any dead wild birds and instead report them to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-866-968-2600.
The rapid response to the Jackson County case reflects the USDA and ODA’s commitment to safeguarding both public and animal health. Officials are actively watching for more cases while bolstering preventative actions since migratory bird activity is still strong. Bird owners are advised to keep alert, follow rigorous biosecurity policies, and quickly report any alarming indicators in their flocks.
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