Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been diagnosed in domestic birds in Oregon.

Confirmation of the HPAI diagnosis was made by scientists at the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory from samples originally tested by scientists at the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

The Oregon virus is similar to that which has been spreading west across the United States since it was first discovered on the East Coast in January 2022. 

HPAI, also known as ‘bird flu’, can cause significant illness and death in domestic poultry. Signs of infection vary from decreased appetite, drop in egg production, breathing problems and diarrhea to sudden death.

If you have domestic birds that are exhibiting signs of illness concerning for HPAI, please contact the office of the state veterinarian with the Oregon Department of Agriculture at 1-800-347-7028. For concerns regarding HPAI in wild birds in Oregon, please contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-968-2600.

The OVDL at the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University is Oregon’s laboratory for assistance in diagnosis and testing related to animal health and its relationship to environmental and human health.