Avian Influenza confirmed in Jackson County | Top Stories

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore.– The U.S Department of Agriculture confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza(HPAI) in a backyard flock of geese and chickens in Jackson County.

This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in Jackson County.

The USDA said HPAI detections are higher in fall and springtime because of wild birds spreading the virus along their migrations to their seasonal homes.

Three commercial poultry flocks and 38 backyard flocks have been affected in Oregon since May of 2022.

On Oct. 30 the National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed a case of HPAI in at least one pig on a farm in Crook County. The pig had been exposed with HPAI infected chickens and ducks.

All 70 birds and five pigs on the farm were euthanized.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) placed the Jackson County farm under quarantine and a team from ODA and the USDA euthanized all of the poultry on the farm.

The farm animals never entered the food supply chain and were not intended for the commercial food market.

ODA highlights safety, mentioning “It’s important to note that when properly prepared and cooked, HPAI does not affect meat or egg products, and these food items remain safe.”

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 immediately be reported to the 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.

Rocky Walker is a reporter/producer at NewsWatch 12. You can reach Rocky at rwalker@kdrv.com.