Avian influenza found in Ross’s goose discovered in John Day
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY – Officials have confirmed one case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was detected last month in Grant County. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) District Wildlife Biologist Ryan Torland said that HPAI was detected in a dead Ross’s goose, found November 14th at the 7th Street Sports Complex in John Day.
Torland mentioned that the infected goose was likely migrating through the area. According to the ODFW’s website, “This small goose migrates through Oregon on its way to California’s central valley. Often mistaken for a snow goose, the Ross’s goose tends to be an incidental harvest of hunters.”
Torland said for folks to be cautious, as HPAI can spread into fowl species such as chickens and turkeys, and mammals as well. Generally, one becomes infected when eating an infected bird. Torland said if hunters wish to be on the safe side, use gloves when cleaning harvested waterfowl and ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly.
The John Day Canyon City Parks and Recreation Department issued the following precautions to the public on their social media:
(From JDCC Parks and Rec)
1. If you see any dead birds, do not touch or pick them up.
2. Keep pets—especially dogs—on a leash and away from birds, carcasses, or droppings, especially around the pond.
3. If you find any dead birds at the park, please contact JDCCPRD Staff at 541-575-0110 so they can handle it.
For more information on avian influenza and safety tips, visit:
https://www.dfw.state.or.us/…/healt…/avian-flu/index.asp
Thank you for helping us keep our parks, wildlife, and pets safe.
Torland said so far, just the one case has been reported in Grant County. For further information about reporting local cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, call the John Day ODFW Field Office at (541) 575-1167.
