On October 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock of ducks and chickens in Wallowa County. This marks the first confirmed HPAI case in the county. The initial samples were tested at the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University, which identified the virus on October 3. The federal laboratory verified these results three days later. Authorities are investigating additional potential cases.
Dr. Ryan Scholz, State Veterinarian for the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), responded by placing the affected farm under quarantine. An ODA team euthanized all poultry on site to contain the spread. According to officials, none of the animals from this property entered the food supply chain or were intended for commercial food markets.
“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,” an official statement read. “The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products to protect your health.”
Health officials observe higher rates of HPAI detections during fall and spring due to migration patterns among wild waterfowl, which can carry and spread the virus as they travel between seasonal habitats. Since May 2022, three commercial poultry flocks and 47 backyard flocks in Oregon have been impacted by HPAI.
The ODA urges immediate reporting of death or illness among domestic birds by calling 503-986-4711. Residents who encounter dead wild birds are advised not to handle them but instead contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-866-968-2600 or via email.
Officials recommend several biosecurity measures for bird and livestock owners to help prevent further spread of avian influenza: preventing domestic animals’ exposure to wildlife—especially wild waterfowl—limiting co-mingling between different livestock species such as poultry and pigs, washing hands before and after handling flocks, cleaning vehicles and equipment, restricting unnecessary visitors, sanitizing footwear in clean foot baths, and changing clothes after contact with birds.
For more information on protecting backyard flocks, guidance is available online from ODA.
