Avian influenza detected in Deschutes County flock of backyard birds, Feb. 16

The Oregon Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the US Department of Agriculture, is responding to a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a flock of backyard birds near Tumalo in Deschutes County. ODA, working with the USDA’s Animal Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is in the process of setting up a quarantine zone around the property to restrict movement of domestic birds in and out of the area. Currently, the property is secured and there have been no additional detections of HPAI in the area. The flock of about 90 mixed poultry and other domestic birds includes chickens, ducks, and turkeys that have had access to a couple of ponds on the property that are also frequented by migratory wild waterfowl. Avian influenza naturally resides in wild birds and it is fairly common for waterfowl to carry various strains of the virus. HPAI has also been reported in backyard birds in Washington and Idaho, and in wild birds in all three Pacific Northwest states. The Deschutes County detection is the second in Oregon. HPAI was detected in a flock of backyard birds in Douglas County in December. Oregonians are reminded that the HPAI virus strains currently detected in Oregon and the other states represent low risk to public health. The virus has not been detected in commercial poultry operations in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho. Avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain safe to eat. As always, both wild and domestic poultry should be properly cooked. Backyard bird owners are encouraged to practice good biosecurity and to take steps that prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. They also should monitor their flock closely and report sick or dead birds to ODA at 1-800-347-7028. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking people to report wild bird deaths by calling 1-866-968-2600. People should avoid contact with sick or dead wild and domestic birds. For more information on avian influenza and biosecurity measures, go to <http://bit.do/ORbirdflu>.