When highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was first detected in Oregon in May 2022, commercial poultry farms were forced to cull infected birds, backyard chicken owners worried about their flocks, and 4-H members faced disappointment as poultry exhibits were canceled at county and state fairs.
In response, the Oregon State University Extension Service quickly assembled an interdisciplinary team to provide science-based updates about HPAI. The team used social media, newsletters and local Extension offices to share timely information with the public.
Through its outreach, OSU Extension continues to help Oregonians understand the risks of HPAI, protect animal health and prevent future outbreaks.
Since 2022, OSU Extension has continued to be a trusted source for updates on the evolving outbreak. In 2024, the situation escalated when the same HPAI strain, H5N1, long known to infect domestic poultry, was confirmed in dairy cattle — a significant development in the virus’s impact.
HPAI is primarily carried by wild birds, especially waterfowl such as ducks and geese. It spreads easily among poultry and is often fatal. The detection of the virus in cows raised new concerns about cross-species transmission, also known as spillover events.
The outbreak worsened in California in 2024, prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency. The virus spread rapidly through dairy cattle, leading to sporadic illness in people with close contact to infected animals. Raw milk products were linked to the outbreak, triggering recalls and heightened public health alerts.
By early January 2025, HPAI had been confirmed in at least 866 herds across 16 states, with more than 60 human cases reported.
When avian influenza was detected in milk, OSU Extension acted quickly to share the findings. The team reinforced statements from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasizing that while the risk to the general public remained low, caution was still necessary.
Later, when the virus was detected in a pig in Central Oregon — the first such case in the nation — OSU Extension collaborated with state and local agencies to educate livestock producers, farmers and the public about this new development in disease transmission.
Within the OSU Extension 4-H program, Candi Bothum, statewide 4-H youth development animal science coordinator, maintained regular contact with the Oregon Department of Agriculture and state veterinarians. She provided guidance to 4-H families and exhibitors on which animal species could safely participate in fairs and how to prevent disease spread.
4-H staff promoted biosecurity before, during and after county fairs. Measures included veterinarian-led animal inspections, appropriate clothing and footwear in exhibit areas, and isolation of any sick animals. In Wasco County, bilingual signage in English and Spanish reminded attendees to practice hand hygiene and avoid eating or drinking near animals.
OSU Extension also responded to public questions about how to protect backyard flocks and wild birds. The team reassured community members that bird feeding was still safe if proper hygiene and safety practices were followed.
Through its outreach, OSU Extension continues to help Oregonians understand the risks of HPAI, protect animal health and prevent future outbreaks. Extension remains committed to delivering accurate, up-to-date information to help communities stay informed and prepared.
