Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza confirmed in backyard flock of ducks in Wallowa County

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- On Monday,, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock of ducks and chickens in northeast Oregon's Wallowa County.

This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in Wallowa County, the Oregon Department of Agriculture said Tuesday in a news release that continues below:

Samples from the flock were first taken to the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University for testing. OSU confirmed the presence of HPAI last Friday, and NVSL confirmed the results three days later.

"Additional cases are currently being investigated, and more information will be made available as results are confirmed," ODA said.

ODA State Veterinarian, Dr. Ryan Scholz, placed the Wallowa County farm under quarantine and a team from ODA humanely euthanized all poultry on the property. None of the animals on the farm entered the food supply chain, nor were they intended for the commercial food market. 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.

HPAI detections are higher in the fall and spring because wild waterfowl spreading the virus are migrating to their seasonal homes. Since May 2022, three commercial poultry flocks and 47 backyard flocks have been affected in Oregon.

Death or illness among domestic birds should be reported immediately to ODA. Please report by calling 503-986-4711.  

To report the death of wild birds, don't hesitate to 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. 

Here are some actions bird and livestock owners can take to help stop the spread of the virus.

Biosecurity measures can include: 

• Preventing exposure of domestic poultry and livestock to wildlife, especially wild waterfowl 
• Limiting the co-mingling of different species of livestock, especially poultry and pigs 
• 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. 

For more tips on protecting backyard flocks, visit ODA online at Avian Influenza.