The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, in collaboration with the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, announced the presence of avian flu in Umatilla County, particularly affecting areas near the reservation. The alert was issued on social media on January 9, 2024, following reports of a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in backyard poultry in the Stanfield region.
This outbreak marks the second confirmed case of backyard poultry infection in Umatilla County within a few weeks. The previous case was reported by the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) on January 2, 2024. Both incidents are located in the northern part of the county, raising concerns among local health officials and residents.
The ODA has indicated that it will not release a press statement regarding this current outbreak. However, once confirmation is provided by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, the information will be made available on the department’s website. Meanwhile, the tribes are assessing the number of potential human exposures linked to these cases. Some individuals may be placed under public health monitoring for up to ten days as a precautionary measure.
As noted in the tribes’ announcement, the Umatilla County Public Health Department, alongside the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, plans to disseminate general awareness information regarding avian influenza through social media platforms. Despite this, no announcements about the outbreak have yet appeared on the county health department’s Facebook page.
In light of the outbreak, the ODA strongly advises the public against touching sick or dead birds. Reports should be made to the appropriate authorities, specifically:
– For domestic birds:
– Oregon State Veterinarian
– Email: [email protected]
– Address: 635 Capitol St NE, Salem, OR 97301
– Phone: 503-986-4711 or 800-347-7028
– For wild birds:
– Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
– Phone: 866-968-2600
The CTUIR Environmental Health and Safety department has issued additional precautions. Residents are urged to avoid contact with sick, injured, or dead birds, as well as bird droppings, feathers, or contaminated surfaces. It is also recommended to keep pets and livestock away from areas where birds gather. Poultry owners must implement enhanced biosecurity measures, which include limiting access to birds and disinfecting footwear, tools, and equipment.
Human infections with avian influenza remain rare. Individuals who experience fever, cough, sore throat, respiratory symptoms, or body aches after contact with birds or poultry should seek medical attention promptly. It is important to inform healthcare providers of any potential exposure.
The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.
