On Oct. 21, 2025, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has warned that as wild birds begin to migrate during the transition into fall, the risk for transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to domestic birds will increase. 

So far in October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in 5 mixed-species backyard poultry flocks located in Deschutes, Malheur, and Wallowa counties. Samples from the flocks were initially sent to the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL) at Oregon State University (OSU) for testing. OSU confirmed the presence of HPAI, and NVSL verified the results a few days later in each case.

In response, Dr. Ryan Scholz, the State Veterinarian for the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), placed the farms under quarantine. A team from the ODA then humanely euthanized all the poultry on the properties. None of the animals from the farms entered the food supply chain or were intended for the commercial food market.

Since May 2022, Oregon has reported three affected commercial poultry flocks and 47 backyard flocks. It is essential to note that when meat and egg products are properly prepared and cooked, HPAI does not pose a risk, and these food items remain safe for consumption.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products to protect your health.