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, three commercial poultry flocks and 38 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. All 70 birds and five pigs on the premises were humanely euthanized. NVSL continues to test samples taken from the pigs.
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.
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.
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