In a recent update from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Wallowa County has experienced its first confirmed case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock.
The diseased birds, a mix of ducks and chickens, were detected with the virus, after the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University tested the samples and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory later confirmed the findings on October 6, 2025, as reported by the Oregon Department of Agriculture's newsroom the contamination has since prompted a quarantine and the culling of the infected flock by state officials who acted swiftly to ensure none of the affected birds entered the food supply chain, emphasizing that properly prepared and cooked poultry products remain safe for consumption.
According to a statement from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, bird owners in the region are urged to implement biosecurity measures to mitigate the spread of HPAI, which includes preventing contact between domestic birds and wildlife, limiting inter-species mingling among livestock, and practicing strict hygiene when handling birds.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture also encourages the immediate reporting of illness or death among domestic birds, offering the contact number 503-986-4711, and recommending for concerns about wild birds to reach out to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-866-968-2600 or email [email protected]; this comes after the state has seen infections in three commercial flocks and 47 backyard gatherings since May 2022, and with birds on the move during fall migration patterns, vigilance remains key for controlling outbreaks.
