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HPAI in Poultry

Background

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a serious and deadly viral disease in domestic poultry (typically defined as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, and domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl). Avian influenza detections can negatively impact the poultry trade of the state and the entire country.  In January 2022, an HPAI virus causing poultry outbreaks worldwide was detected in the US and this outbreak is ongoing.

Avian influenza also, rarely, can infect and cause disease in pet bird species.

For Oregon Outbreak Information and HPAI cases see the Avian Influenza page

Clinical Signs in Poultry

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

  • Sudden death with no prior signs of illness
  • Lack of energy and appetite, often appear depressed and have ruffled feathers
  • Combs and wattles often swollen and can turn purple/blue
  • Swelling around the eyes, neck, and legs or feet
  • Pin-point hemorrhages on legs
  • Diarrhea
  • Egg production drops or stops, may have soft-shelled or misshaped eggs
  • Stumbling or falling down
  • Difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing

Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza

  • Often no signs of illness
  • If present, possible difficulty breathing, lack of energy and appetite, decreased egg production, and diarrhea

Prevention

Avian influenza is spread through direct contact with fecal droppings or respiratory secretions of infected birds. Spread often occurs from bird-to-bird contact but also can occur from contact with contaminated surfaces or materials, such as egg flats, farming equipment, or people's clothing, shoes, or hands.
Following strict biosecurity practices is key to preventing HPAI infection. Biosecurity is a set of practices designed to reduce the risk of spreading disease from sick birds and birds carrying the virus, to healthy ones.

Recommended practices for poultry owners:

  • Restrict access to your property and keep your birds away from other birds.
  • Keep a designated pair of shoes to wear around your birds, wash clothing after visiting your birds, and use disinfectants correctly.
  • Clean and disinfect cages, poultry equipment, and car tires after visiting a farm store, poultry swap, or other location with birds present.
  • Keep new birds separate from your flock for 30 days; quarantine returning birds from the rest of your flock after visiting a poultry swap or other event.
  • Do not share equipment or supplies with others, but if you must, disinfect it first.
  • Wash hands before and after bird handling.
 

If you find a sick or dead bird, don't touch it, report it!

For domestic birds:

Oregon State Veterinarian
AnimalHealth@oda.oregon.gov
Phone: 503-986-4711

For wild birds:

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Phone: 1-866-968-2600

Resources

ODA Resources

  • Avian influenza infographic posterEnglishEspañol
    ODA poster with information and guidance on avian influenza. Includes contact information for reporting.
  • Biosecurity Steps InfographicEnglishEspañol
    Protecting your animals from disease.
  • Typical 72 hours - English, Español
    Overview guide to the actions that typically occur during the first 72 hours of a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus in a poultry flock.

Other Resources

  • USDA - Bird Flu: How you can stop the spread video - English, Español
    A short video to answer questions about protecting backyard flocks from avian influenza and other poultry diseases.
  • USDA - Captive wild birds & avian influenza
    Protecting Captive Wild Birds from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Animal care tech note from USDA APHIS.
  • USDA - Information on biosecurity
    USDA Defend the Flock webpage. Information on biosecurity practices you can use in your everyday routine of caring for your birds.