By Natural Resource News Note:
Avian Bird flu detected in Malhuer, Jackson and Crook County.
Malhuer County Alert: “On November 13, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock of chickens and ducks in Malheur County. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in Malheur County. Samples from the flock were first taken to the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ODVL) at Oregon State University (OSU) for testing. OVDL confirmed the presence of HPAI on November 8, 2024. All the affected birds were humanely euthanized and did not enter the food supply chain, nor were intended for the commercial food market. It is 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. Center for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products to protect your health. According to the USDA, HPAI detections are higher in the fall and spring because wild birds spreading the virus are migrating to their seasonal homes. Actions bird and livestock owners can take to help stop the spread of the virus.”
Jackson County Alert: “On November 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock of geese and chickens in Jackson County. This is the first confirmed case of HPAI in Jackson County. Samples from the flock were first taken to the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL) at Oregon State University (OSU) for testing. OSU confirmed the presence of HPAI on October 30, 2024, and NVSL confirmed the results two days later. According to the 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, 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. The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s (ODA) State Veterinarian, Dr. Ryan Scholz placed the Jackson County farm under quarantine and a team from ODA and USDA humanely euthanized all poultry on the property. None of the animals on the farm entered the food supply chain, nor were they intended for the commercial food market. 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.”
Crook County Alert: “The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in 1 of 5 pigs living on a small farm in Crook County. While NVSL confirmed HPAI in one pig, results on samples collected from the other four pigs are pending. This is the same farm where the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), humanely euthanized 70 HPAI-affected backyard birds last week. ODA State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz placed a quarantine on the property, and ODA’s veterinary team is conducting surveillance.The presence of HPAI in the backyard birds and pig was first detected by the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL) at Oregon State University (OSU) and NVSL confirmed the results. Working with ODA and USDA, OSU laboratory staff received the pigs, necropsied the pigs, tested samples, and incinerated the remains.While HPAI confirmation is not unexpected due to the previous detection on the premises, this is the first HPAI detection in pigs. All five pigs and the 70 birds on the property were humanely euthanized to prevent the further spread of the highly contagious virus. None of the animals on the farm entered the food supply chain, nor were they intended for the commercial food market. 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 and your family’s health.HPAI is a serious disease. ODA, USDA, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and Crook County Public Health responded quickly and according to established One Health response plans. These plans include implementing quarantine restrictions, humanely euthanizing affected flocks and animals, disposing of affected birds and animals, cleaning and eliminating the virus from affected premises, conducting surveillance, and monitoring individuals exposed to infected animals. ODA provided the animal owners with personal protective (PPE) equipment, and Crook County Public Health and OHA are educating and monitoring exposed individuals.”
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