ODA Reminding Bird Owners To Watch For HPAI

With cooler weather of the fall comes an increase in the number of bird flu cases across North America and here in the Northwest, thanks the migration patterns of wild waterfowl. Oregon State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz said people can get the virus.

"We don't want people to be exposed to it," Scholz said. "We don't want the chickens to die, we don't want people to get exposed to it. We don't want to give it the chance to get into people, mutate and become better at infecting people."

He said people with backyard bird flocks need to take special precautions to protect their animals, adding it's best to keep wild birds from your flock. Waterfowl are the biggest concern.

"If you have domestic waterfowl and domestic chickens, and other poultry, keeping them separated goes a long ways as well."

The bird flu virus acts fast and while there are symptoms, they don't last long before the bird dies. If backyard flock owners have multiple birds die around the same time, they should call the Oregon Department of Agriculture bird flu hotline.

Last week, ODA confirmed the first case H5N1 of the season in Wallowa County; and days later a case was reported in central Washington’s Grant County.

For the ODA’s hotline, or biosecurity tips from the Department of Ag, check out PNWAg.net, we’ll have more for you there.

Recently, ODA confirmed the first case H5N1 of the season in Wallowa County; and days later a case was reported in central Washington’s Grant County.

The ODA has several tips to help bird owners keep their flocks safe:

Watch Closely for Illness and Report

HPAI often appears as sudden death or rapid flock decline.

Check flock daily for sudden illness or death
Watch for swelling (around the head, neck, and eyes), lethargy, or drop in eggs
Isolate sick birds
Report sick or dead birds:
- Domestic ODA Disease Reporting Hotline: (503) 986-4711
- Wild Birds/Wildlife – ODFW Disease Reporting Hotline: (866) 968-2600

Stay up to date with Avian Influenza Information and Updates

Here are some HPAI and biosecurity resources to help further prepare owners and protect their livestock from disease:

Fall-Specific Poultry Biosecurity Checklist

ODA encourages all bird owners to use this simple checklist to help keep poultry happy, healthy, and safe all season long:

Limit Exposure to Wild Birds

Keep flocks in a fully enclosed coop or covered run
Block access to shared water sources (ponds, puddles, ditches)
Remove or secure spilled feed that may attract wild birds
Prevent wild birds from roosting near pens (use netting, covers)

Control Human and Equipment Traffic

Post “Restricted Access” signs at coop entrances
Provide dedicated boots and clothing for poultry areas
Set up and maintain footbaths with an appropriate disinfectant
Do not share feeders, tools, or cages with other poultry owners
Clean and disinfect anything that enters the poultry area

Limit Visitors, Traffic, and Other Animal Contact

Restrict visitors—only allow those with a clear need
Keep dogs, cats, and wild animals out of poultry areas
If you hunt or handle wild birds, shower and change before tending poultry
Keep a simple logbook of any visitors or deliveries

Quarantine New or Returning Birds

Quarantine new or returning birds for at least 30 days
House them away from the main flock and monitor for illness
Disinfect cages, crates, and transport vehicles

Protect Feed and Water from Contamination

Use covered feeders and waterers
Store feed in sealed bins to prevent attraction of wildlife and potential contamination
Refresh water and disinfect waterers frequently—especially in wet weather
Remove standing water around coop areas

Clean and Disinfect Regularly

Disinfect tools, boots, cages, and transport containers
Change bedding often—keep the coop clean and dry
Remove mud, wet litter, and feces from coop surroundings
Use appropriate disinfectants, such as a 10 percent dilution of bleach (sodium hypochlorite; 1.5 cups of bleach per gallon of total solution), 1% Virkon (DuPont), or other approved disinfectant per label instructions.

Click Here for a printable version of this checklist from ODA.

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