Highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in Polk County backyard flock of duck and geese

Known to commingle with wild birds at a nearby pond

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock of duck and geese in Polk County, the Oregon Department if Agriculture said Friday.

The flock's owner notified a private veterinarian after the sudden death of at least one bird; meanwhile, other birds in the flock were displaying clinical signs consistent with HPAI. The veterinarian sent a sample of the deceased bird to Oregon State University in Corvallis. A preliminary test came back positive for HPAI. NVSL made the official confirmation Thursday.

HPAI is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic bird species. Symptoms include diarrhea, incoordination, lethargy, coughing and sneezing, and sudden death, although birds infected with HPAI may not always display outward signs of infection.

The virus may spread in various ways, including through contact with infected wild and domestic birds and by contaminated equipment, clothing, and shoes of caretakers. The affected backyard flock in Polk County was known to commingle with wild birds at a nearby pond.

If you have domesticated backyard birds, please increase your biosecurity, and keep your birds separated from wild birds, especially waterfowl, ODA said. If you have birds that appear sick or have died of respiratory or neurological disease, please call 503-986-4711 (Alt Phone: 1-800-347-7028). The risk of HPAI to human health is low, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If you see sick or dead wild birds, do not collect or handle them but report the incident directly to ODFW at 866-968-2600 or Wildlife.Health@odfw.oregon.gov.

For more tips on protecting your backyard flock, please visit the ODA online at Avian Influenza or en Español at Avian Influenza – Spanish.