Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza confirmed in Crook County farm’s backyard flock of 70 birds, humanely euthanized

Farm under quarantine as other animals evaluated

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed on Friday the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock in Crook County. It's the first confirmed case of HPAI in Crook County.

According to APHIS, detections are higher in the fall and spring because wild birds spreading the virus are migrating to their seasonal homes. Since May 2022, three commercial poultry flocks and 37 backyard flocks have been affected in Oregon.

The Crook County backyard flock included approximately 70 birds. The flock was mixed consisting of several different species of poultry and domestic waterfowl.

USDA, in partnership with ODA, humanely euthanized the flock to prevent further spread of HPAI. In addition, ODA State Veterinarian Ryan Scholz placed the farm under quarantine, and his team of veterinarians will continue to evaluate other animals on the property.

The affected birds will not enter the food system, ODA said, noting that "avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products when properly cooked and remains safe. Both wild and domestic poultry should always be adequately prepared and cooked."

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus strains are infectious and often fatal to chickens. They can spread rapidly from flock to flock. ODA continues to advise commercial poultry farmers and backyard flock owners to be vigilant with biosecurity measures and surveillance. Preventing contact between wild birds and domestic flocks is the best way to protect domestic birds from HPAI.

Biosecurity measures can include:

• Wash your hands before and after handling your flock
• Cleaning vehicles, tools, or equipment
• Limiting unnecessary visitors
• Sanitizing shoes in clean foot baths
• Changing clothes upon contact with birds and more

Death or illness among domestic birds should be reported immediately to ODA. Please report by calling 503-986-4711 (Alt phone 1-800-347-7028).

To report the death of wild birds, please contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Please do not collect or handle the birds; instead, call 1-866-968-2600 or email Wildlife.Health@odfw.oregon.gov.

For more tips on protecting backyard flocks, please visit ODA online at Avian Influenza or en Español at Avian Influenza-Spanish.