| Avian Influenza (AI) is a viral disease in poultry and wild birds. It is classified as either high pathogenicity (HPAI) or low pathogenicity (LPAI). The disease is often carried by waterfowl such as ducks and geese which often show no signs of disease. However, serious and large-scale outbreaks can occur in domestic poultry. HPAI viruses result in high death rates (up to 100% in 48 hours) in some poultry species. LPAI also causes outbreaks in domestic poultry, but they are not usually associated with severe disease. The 2015 response to HPAI was the largest and most expensive animal disease response in US history.
There is a current outbreak in the US of HPAI and it has recently been found in Linn and Lane counties in Oregon. A regional quarantine has been imposed for poultry in Lane County. Of course, wild birds do not pay much attention to this so there is a risk of spread. The disease likely came from wild birds to domestic poultry in the first place.
Prevention is by biosecurity practices. Keep new birds separate and quarantined from your flock for a minimum of 30 days. Do not share equipment or supplies with other flocks if possible and disinfect it well if you do. Restrict access to your birds and keep them away from other birds. Free range birds will be at a lot higher risk than fenced poultry especially if there is wild waterfowl in the area. After visiting any location where birds are present such as a feed store or poultry swap clean and disinfect any equipment purchased, car tires, shoes, and clothing prior to visiting your birds. Wash hands before and after handling your birds, feeders, waters, eggs, etc.
The risk to human health is low however if you have sick or dead birds proper precautions should be taken. Dead wild birds can be reported to Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) at 866-968-2600 or Wildlife.Health@odfw.oregon.gov. If you have poultry that appears sick or has died of respiratory or neurological disease call 503-986-4711 (Alt Phone: 1-800-347-7028). For more tips visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture website at https://oda.direct/AI or en Espaņola at https://oda.direct/AIESP. Of course, the doctors at Lakeview Animal Hospital will do their best to answer your questions as well.
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