On Oct. 31, 2024, the Oregon Department of Agriculture reported that bird flu cases are on the rise, especially among cackling geese in the Willamette Valley. Oregon is the first state to report a spike in infections this fall. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported nearly 40 cases of bird flu in people nationwide in 2024, and no one has been hospitalized. In Oregon, officials said there have been nearly 40 outbreaks in backyard flocks, with nearly 130 people exposed to date. None was infected.

High pathogenic avian influenza was first detected in wild birds in North America in December 2021 and in Oregon in May 2022. Like previous outbreaks of the virus, this one lingered, infecting backyard flocks that come in contact with wild birds and commercial poultry, egg and dairy operations.

The current strain — known as H5N1 — spreads among wild birds, with 10,400 confirmed infections in more than 150 species of birds across the country. Geese are particularly susceptible – especially juveniles – along with raptors, scavengers such as vultures. Ducks are carrier species and spread it to other birds and wetlands.  This strain has also been detected in at least 20 wild mammals, including marine mammals like seals, and scavenger carnivores such as coyotes, foxes and skunks that have likely fed on infected birds.