WALLOWA COUNTY, Ore.-The first case of Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu, has been confirmed in Wallowa County.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed the positive test from a backyard flock of ducks and chickens on October 6.
Samples from the flock were first tested at the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL) at Oregon State University (OSU) for testing on October 3, and the presence of HPAI was detected.
HPAI detections are higher in the fall and spring because wild birds spreading the virus are migrating to their seasonal homes, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA).
The Wallowa County farm where the positive test came from has been placed under quarantine and an ODA team has euthanized the remainder of the flock.
Birds on the farm were not intended for the commercial food market, and none of the birds on the farm entered the food chain, according to the ODA.
The ODA asks anyone with domestic birds to report illnesses or deaths by calling 503.986.4711. The deaths of wild birds should also be reported by calling 1.866.968.2600 or by email at Wildlife.Health@odfw.oregon.gov.
ODA tips to prevent Avian Influenza in backyard flocks and livestock
- Prevent exposure of domestic poultry and livestock to wildlife
- Limit the co-mingling of different livestock species, especially pigs and poultry
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling birds in your flock
- Change clothes after contact with your birds
- Clean all vehicles, tools and equipment that come into contact with your flock
