Tweet
December 13, 2024
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.
Keep Felines Safe
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.
...continued
Biosecurity Actions for Bird and Livestock Owners
Actions bird and livestock owners can take to help stop the spread of the virus, include:
...continued
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.
...continued
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:
...continued
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:
Sources: ODA, FDA, CDC, AVMA
https://www.oregonvma.org/news/highl...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.
Keep Felines Safe
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.
...continued
Biosecurity Actions for Bird and Livestock Owners
Actions bird and livestock owners can take to help stop the spread of the virus, include:
...continued
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.
...continued
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:
...continued
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
Sources: ODA, FDA, CDC, AVMA
https://www.oregonvma.org/news/highl...influenza-h5n1