Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1)
This information is updated as events warrant.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a disease that is highly contagious and often deadly in poultry, caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5) and A (H7) viruses; it is also known as bird or avian flu. HPAI viruses can be transmitted by wild birds to domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Although bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, human infections have occurred. It is important to note that “highly pathogenic” refers to severe impact in birds, not necessarily in humans. HPAI has been detected in livestock in multiple states. This continues to be a developing situation and more information will be shared by federal and state partners as it becomes available.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), HPAI detections are higher in the fall and spring because wild birds spreading the virus are migrating to their seasonal homes. Since May 2022, several commercial poultry flocks and multiple backyard flocks have been affected in Oregon. On October 30, 2024, the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed HPAI in at least one pig on a small Crook County farm. The pig co-mingled with HPAI-affected chickens and ducks.
On November 15, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a person linked to a outbreak affecting birds at a commercial poultry operation in Clackamas County. The individual experienced only mild illness and has fully recovered.
Infected Pet Food Leads to Pet Cat Death in Oregon
On December 24, 2024, ODA announced that Morasch Meat’s Northwest Naturals brand 2 lb. Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food tested positive for a H5N1 strain of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus. Testing conducted by the USDA NVSL and the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ODVL) at Oregon State University confirmed a house cat in Washington County contracted H5N1 and died after consuming the raw frozen pet food. Tests confirmed a genetic match between the virus in the raw and frozen pet food and the infected cat.
“We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food,” said ODA State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz. “This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and results from the genome sequencing confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food and infected cat were exact matches to each other.”
Morasch Meats, a Portland, Oregon-based company, is voluntarily recalling its Northwest Naturals brand 2 lb Feline Turkey Recipe raw and frozen pet food. The recalled product is packaged in 2-pound plastic bags with “Best if used by” dates of 05/21/26 B10 and 06/23/2026 B1. The product was sold nationwide through distributors in AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, MN, PA, RI and WA in the United States, and British Columbia in Canada. Pet owners are urged to immediately check their supplies and dispose of the product. For additional information or questions, customers may contact Troy Merriman of Morasch Meats of Portland at 503-257-9821 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm PST, Monday through Friday.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and local public health officials are monitoring household members who had contact with the cat for flu symptoms. To date, no human cases of HPAI have been linked to this incident, and the risk of HPAI transmission to humans remains low in Oregon. Since 2022, OHA has partnered with ODA through a One Health approach to investigate human exposures to animal outbreaks of avian influenza.
To avoid the spread of disease, including HPAI, state and federal experts strongly encourage people and their pets to:
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat products
- Avoid consuming raw dairy
- Limit contact with sick or dead animals
- Wash your hands after handling raw animal products or contact with sick/dead animals
- Report sick or dead birds to ODA at 503-986-4711
- Keep pets or poultry away from wild waterfowl
Felines, including both domestic and wild cats, such as tigers, mountain lions, lynx, etc., are particularly sensitive to HPAI and care should be taken to not expose these animals to the virus.
There have been several recent investigations indicating transmission of HPAI to cats through food, most often unpasteurized milk or raw or undercooked meats. Cats should not be fed any products from affected farms that have not been thoroughly cooked or pasteurized to kill the virus. Cats should also be kept from hunting and consuming wild birds.
The CDC reported in a July 2024 paper that domestic cats fed unpasteurized milk on a dairy farm with sick cows displayed neurologic signs and died from systemic influenza infections. Researchers in South Korea also documented several cases of HPAI in 2023 at two cat shelters where the animals were fed raw food made from duck meat. The USDA maintains a testing program for detections of HPAI in wild mammals that includes feral and domestic cats.
Dogs can also contract HPAI, though they currently appear to be less susceptible to the virus than cats. It is also a best practice to limit dog exposure to HPAI following the same recommendations as for cats.
Veterinarians, including members of the OVMA and the American Veterinary Medical Association, recommend that you seek veterinary care if your cat or dog appears to have any of the following symptoms of illness:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Low appetite
- Reddened or inflamed eyes
- Discharge from the eyes and nose
- Difficulty breathing
- Neurologic signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness
Biosecurity Actions for Bird and Livestock Owners
Actions bird and livestock owners can take to help stop the spread of the virus, 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
How to Report Illness or Death
Death or illness among domestic birds and livestock should be reported to Oregon Department of Agriculture (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.
Food Safety
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. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products to protect your health.
Oregon to Test Milk for H5N1
The ODA, with significant input from Oregon’s dairy industry and processors, is launching a milk testing and monitoring program. Oregon is one of six states to begin testing milk for H5N1 Avian Influenza. The program aims to protect farms, farmworkers, and communities from H5N1 avian influenza. Select processors will begin collecting raw (unpasteurized) milk samples this week, and more processors will join the program in the next few weeks. It’s estimated that by January 2025 more than 75 percent of Oregon’s milk will be under surveillance. To date, Oregon has not confirmed H5N1 in dairy cattle or milk.
On December 6, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the start of its National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), naming Oregon as one of six states included in its first round of states to begin periodic testing of raw or unpasteurized milk. Oregon’s dairy industry and processors agreed to go a step further and collect samples weekly. The Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL) at Oregon State University (OSU) will test the milk samples and share the results with USDA.
Testing Required for Interstate Movement of Cattle
The USDA announced a federal movement order in response to the ongoing outbreak of HPAI in dairy cattle. The federal order requires pre-movement testing of all lactating dairy cattle, prior to interstate movement.
Emergency Import Requirements
The ODA enacted emergency import requirements for cattle being imported into the State of Oregon from any state with cattle currently affected by HPAI/BIAV. In addition to existing import requirements, these emergency import requirements include:
- No cattle exposed to, infected with, or suspected to be carrying HPAI/BIAV may be imported into Oregon.
- Non-lactating dairy cattle require:
- A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) completed no more than 7 days prior to importation into Oregon; and
- A valid Import Permit issued by ODA.
- Lactating dairy cattle require:
- A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) completed no more than 7 days prior to importation into Oregon; and
- A valid Import Permit issued by ODA; and
- A negative individual or laboratory-pooled PCR test for influenza A, conducted on milk samples collected no more than 7 days prior to importation into Oregon.
The full rule is available online through the Oregon Secretary of State's website. View Oregon Administrative Rule 603-011-5007.
Signs in Dairy Cattle
On affected farms, on average, 10-20% of cattle are reported as being clinically affected, with no associated mortality. Affected cattle generally recover in 2-3 weeks. The primary symptoms reported in clinically affected dairy cattle include:
- Rapid onset illness, specifically among older, lactating cows
- Decreased herd-level milk production
- Acute, sudden drop in production
- Decrease in feed consumption
- Abnormally dry feces
- Fever
- Thicker, more concentrated, colostrum-like milk
Updated: December 24, 2024