First case of H5N1 detected in Malheur County found in backyard flock
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, November 20th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
MALHEUR COUNTY — The Oregon Department of Agriculture is reporting confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock of ducks and chickens within Malheur County. The agency says the infected birds did not enter the food supply chain and were all humanely euthanized. Recently, the first human case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Oregon, also known as H5N1, was detected in Clackamas County. So far, no human cases have been found in Malheur County or Eastern Oregon.
Find the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s full press release below:
(From the Oregon Department of Agriculture)
On November 13, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock of chickens and ducks in Malheur County. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in Malheur County. Samples from the flock were first taken to the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ODVL) at Oregon State University (OSU) for testing. OVDL confirmed the presence of HPAI on November 8, 2024.
All the affected birds were humanely euthanized and did not enter the food supply chain, nor were intended for the commercial food market. It is 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. Center for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products to protect your health.
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. 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.
