First Jackson County case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza confirmed in backyard flock of geese, chickens

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Friday confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock of geese and chickens in Jackson County, the first confirmed case in that county.

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

According to the USDA, HPAI detections are higher in the fall and spring because wild birds spreading the virus are migrating to their seasonal homes. Since May of 2022, three commercial poultry flocks and 38 backyard flocks have been affected in Oregon.

On Tuesday,, NVSL also confirmed HPAI in at least one pig on a small Crook County farm. The pig co-mingled with HPAI-affected chickens and ducks. All 70 birds and five pigs on the premises were humanely euthanized. NVSL continues to test samples taken from the pigs.  

The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian, Dr. Ryan Scholz placed the Jackson County farm under quarantine and a team from ODA and USDA 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 also recommends choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products to protect your health. 

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. 

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, 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. 

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