When highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was first detected in Oregon in May 2022, poultry businesses were forced to cull infected birds, backyard chicken owners worried about their flocks, and 4-H participants faced disappointment as county and state fairs canceled poultry exhibits. In response, Oregon State University Extension Service quickly mobilized an interdisciplinary team to provide science-based information and updates about HPAI through social media, newsletters, and Extension offices.
Since then, OSU Extension has continued to be a trusted source of information for the public. In 2024, new developments regarding the spread of HPAI prompted further outreach. The same HPAI strain, H5N1, that has been affecting domestic poultry flocks for years was found in dairy cattle, marking a significant shift in the virus’ impact. HPAI is carried by wild birds, particularly waterfowl like ducks and geese, and can spread easily among poultry, often leading to death. In spring 2024, the virus infected dairy cows, raising questions about spillover events — when a disease jumps from one species to another.
The situation has grown serious in California, where the governor declared a state of emergency as HPAI rampaged through dairy cattle, causing sporadic illnesses in people. Raw milk products in California have been linked to the outbreak, prompting recalls and further public health warnings. The virus has been confirmed in at least 866 herds across 16 states, with over 60 human cases reported as of early January 2025.
When avian influenza was found in dairy milk, OSU Extension was quick to communicate the findings, emphasizing that while the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continued to assure the public that the risk to humans remained low, vigilance was still necessary. Likewise, when the virus was detected in a pig in Central Oregon — a first for the nation — OSU Extension worked closely with local and state agencies to help educate farmers, livestock producers and the public about this new avenue for disease transmission.
In the Extension 4-H program, Candi Bothum, OSU Extension statewide 4-H youth development animal science coordinator, remains in close communication with the Oregon Department of Agriculture and state veterinarians to help guide 4-H members through the changes caused by HPAI outbreaks. This includes updating fairs and exhibitors on which animal species can participate in the exhibitions and how to prevent the spread of disease.
OSU Extension’s outreach efforts also addressed concerns from the public about how to protect both domestic and wild birds from the disease. The Extension team continued to reassure citizens that while precautions were important, activities such as feeding wild birds remained safe, provided proper hygiene and safety measures were followed.
With ongoing efforts to educate the public, OSU Extension has helped Oregonians understand not only the current state of HPAI but also how to protect animal populations, safeguard human health, and prevent further outbreaks. Extension remains committed to delivering reliable, up-to-date information, ensuring that communities across Oregon are informed and prepared as the situation evolves.
