NewsWatch 12 has more details.
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock of geese and chickens in Jackson County.
This is the first HPAI case confirmed in Jackson County.
The USDA said HPAI detections increase in the fall and spring because wild birds spread the virus as they migrate to seasonal habitats.
Three commercial poultry flocks and 38 backyard flocks have been affected in Oregon since May 2022.
On October 30, the National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed a case of HPAI in at least one pig on a farm in Crook County. The pigs had been exposed to chickens and ducks infected with HPAI.
All 70 birds and five pigs on the farm were euthanized.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) quarantined the farm in Jackson County, and ODA and USDA teams euthanized all poultry on the farm.
Livestock never entered the food supply chain and were not intended for commercial food markets.
The ODA emphasizes safety, saying, “It is important to note that HPAI has no effect on meat or egg products and these foods remain safe when properly prepared and cooked.” states.
Here are some actions bird and livestock owners can take to stop the spread of the virus:
- Biosecurity measures include:
- Preventing exposure of poultry and livestock to wild animals, especially wild waterfowl
- Limit the mixing of different species of livestock, especially poultry and pigs
- Wash your hands before and after handling the herd.
- Cleaning vehicles, tools and equipment
- Limit non-essential visitors
- Disinfect your shoes with a clean footbath
- Change clothes after contact with birds.
Death or illness in domestic birds should be reported immediately to ODA. Call 503-986-4711 (alternative number 1-800-347-7028) to report it.
To report a dead bird, don’t hesitate to contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). Do not collect or handle birds. Instead, call 1-866-968-2600 or email [email protected].
For more tips on protecting your backyard flock, visit ODA Online.bird flu or in spanishBird flu – Spanishh.
Rocky Walker is a reporter/producer for NewsWatch 12. Rocky can be reached at [email protected].
