Avian flu restrictions in Deschutes County lifted

The Oregon Department of Agriculture said Thursday it has lifted restrictions and removed the quarantine in Deschutes County related to highly pathogenic avian influenza found in the Tumalo area last month.

There have been no new detections of HPAI in the county since the original incident in February affecting a flock of backyard birds near Tumalo, the agency said. As a result of ODA’s action, the movement of poultry and poultry products is now allowed within the control zone.

Oregonians are reminded that the HPAI virus strains currently detected in Oregon and other states represent low risk to public health. The virus has not been detected in commercial poultry operations in the Pacific Northwest.

Avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain safe to eat. As always, both wild and domestic poultry should be properly cooked.

Backyard bird owners are still encouraged to monitor their flock closely and report sick or dead birds to ODA at 1-800-347-7028. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking people to report wild bird deaths by calling 1-866-968-2600. People should avoid contact with sick or dead wild and domestic birds.