Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Oregon
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.
Biosecurity Actions
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
Reporting
Death or illness among domestic birds and livestock should be reported to 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 Oregon Department of Agriculture (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 United States Department of Agriculture (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 Oregon Department of Agriculture (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 11, 2024