NewsWatch 12 has the details.
Jackson County, Oregon – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock of geese and chickens in Jackson County. This marks the first confirmed case of HPAI in the region.
The USDA has indicated that HPAI detections tend to rise during the fall and spring migrations of wild birds, which can spread the virus to domestic flocks.
Since May 2022, Oregon has reported a total of three commercial poultry flocks and 38 backyard flocks affected by HPAI.
In a related incident, on October 30, the National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed a case of HPAI in at least one pig on a farm in Crook County. This pig was exposed to infected chickens and ducks, prompting the euthanasia of all 70 birds and five pigs on the farm.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) has placed the affected farm under quarantine, and a joint team from the ODA and USDA has euthanized all poultry to prevent further transmission.
It is important to note that these animals did not enter the food supply chain and were not intended for commercial markets.
The ODA emphasizes food safety, stating, “When properly prepared and cooked, HPAI does not affect meat or egg products, which remain safe for consumption.”
Recommended Actions for Bird and Livestock Owners:
- Implement rigorous biosecurity measures, including:
- Preventing wildlife exposure to domestic poultry and livestock, particularly wild waterfowl.
- Limiting co-mingling of different species, notably between poultry and pigs.
- Washing hands before and after handling birds.
- Cleaning all vehicles, tools, and equipment after use.
- Restricting unnecessary visitors to farms.
- Sanitizing shoes using clean foot baths.
- Changing clothes after contact with birds.
Any signs of death or illness among domestic birds should be immediately reported to the ODA at 503-986-4711 (or 1-800-347-7028).
For the death of wild birds, contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) without attempting to handle or collect them. Call 1-866-968-2600 or email [email protected] for guidance.
For additional resources on protecting backyard flocks from avian influenza, please visit the ODA website at Avian Influenza or in Spanish at Influenza Aviar.
Rocky Walker is a reporter/producer at NewsWatch 12. You can reach Rocky at [email protected].
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Avian Influenza Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our interview today. We are joined by Dr. Emily Carter, an avian health expert with a focus on infectious diseases in livestock. Dr. Carter, thank you for being here to discuss the recent confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI, in Jackson County, Oregon.
Dr. Emily Carter (EC): Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic, and I appreciate the opportunity to raise awareness about HPAI.
TNE: To start, can you tell us what HPAI is and why it is a significant concern for both domestic poultry and livestock farmers?
EC: HPAI is a subtype of the avian influenza virus that can lead to severe disease in birds. It’s concerning not only because of the high mortality rate among infected flocks but also due to its potential to spread to other species, including pigs, as we’ve seen recently in Crook County. The impacts can be devastating, both economically and in terms of animal welfare.
TNE: The USDA’s confirmation of the virus in a backyard flock marks the first case in this area. What does this mean for local poultry owners, and how should they respond?
EC: It’s essential for poultry owners to remain vigilant. The USDA indicates that cases often rise during wild bird migration periods, so biosecurity measures are critical. This includes keeping domestic birds away from wild birds, reducing flock density, and ensuring that any shared equipment is sanitized. Regular monitoring and reporting any signs of illness in flocks to local authorities can also help mitigate outbreaks.
TNE: You mentioned the recent incident with HPAI spreading to a pig farm. Can you elaborate on how HPAI is transmitted between different species?
EC: Absolutely. HPAI primarily spreads through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings, but it can also spread through contaminated environments. In this case, the pigs were exposed to infected chickens and ducks, demonstrating that precautions must be taken not only with poultry but with all livestock on a farm.
TNE: The Oregon Department of Agriculture has quarantined the affected farms and euthanized the infected animals. Can you explain why euthanasia is a necessary step in these situations?
EC: Euthanasia is often implemented as a last resort to halt the virus’s spread. By culling infected animals, we can significantly reduce the risk of transmission to healthy flocks or other livestock, which can prevent larger outbreaks. This step is crucial for protecting both animal populations and food safety.
TNE: Speaking of food safety, the ODA assures consumers that properly cooked meat and eggs from affected farms are safe to eat. Can you discuss that a bit more?
EC: Yes, that’s an important point. The avian influenza virus does not survive the cooking process. When meat or egg products are cooked to the proper temperatures, they remain safe for consumption. Consumers should always follow food safety guidelines when preparing poultry products, which include maintaining good hygiene and cooking food thoroughly.
TNE: What recommendations would you give to bird and livestock owners as they navigate these confirmed cases of HPAI?
EC: I recommend that all bird and livestock owners increase their biosecurity measures immediately. This includes not only keeping different species separated but also ensuring strict hygiene practices on farms. It’s also crucial to stay informed through local agricultural communications and health advisories from the USDA and ODA.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s vital for both agricultural communities and consumers to stay informed and proactive.
EC: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. Awareness and action are key to managing HPAI.
TNE: That concludes our interview today. Stay safe, and we encourage our audience to keep informed on agricultural health issues. Thank you for tuning in.