Bird flu found in Oregon for the first time since 2015
PORTLAND, Ore. — For the first time since 2015, the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as the bird flu, was found in a non-commercial backyard flock in Oregon.
Officials say the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed that the bird flu was found in a non-commercial, backyard flock (non-poultry) in Linn County.
H5N1 is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic bird species.
However, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the recent bird flu detection does not present an immediate public health concern.
“We knew HPAI was coming our way after a bald eagle in British Columbia tested positive in early March,” said Dr. Ryan Scholz, State Veterinarian, Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). “Since that detection, we have been hard at work communicating with our commercial poultry producers, veterinarians, and the public on how they can protect their flocks. Now more than ever, all bird owners must practice good biosecurity, prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual deaths so ODA can ensure testing.”
To report sick domestic birds, call the ODA at 1-800-347-7028 or email npip@oda.oregon.gov.
For wild birds, please call and report to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife by calling 1-866-968-2600.
