The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), in collaboration with the Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, has reported an outbreak of avian influenza in Umatilla County, particularly affecting areas close to the reservation. The announcement was made on January 9, 2024, via a notice posted on Facebook.
According to the notice, the CTUIR and Yellowhawk received information from the Umatilla County Public Health Department regarding a backyard poultry outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the Stanfield area. This marks the second documented outbreak in Umatilla County within several weeks, with both incidents occurring in the northern region of the county.
While the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) will not issue a press release about this specific outbreak, it plans to provide updates once the National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirm the presence of the virus. The ODA had previously reported a poultry outbreak in the county on January 2, 2024.
The notice from the CTUIR indicates that assessments are being conducted to evaluate the number of potential human exposures. Some individuals may undergo public health monitoring for up to ten days as a precautionary measure. Currently, no human testing is anticipated, although this could change as the situation evolves.
Public Health Measures and Recommendations
In light of the outbreak, the Umatilla County Public Health Department, alongside Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, will disseminate general awareness information regarding avian influenza through social media. Despite this, there are currently no official announcements about the outbreak on the county health’s Facebook page.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has urged the public to avoid touching sick or dead birds and to report any instances of such. For domestic birds, individuals can contact the Oregon State Veterinarian at the following:
– Email: [email protected]
– Phone: 503-986-4711 or 800-347-7028
– Mail: 635 Capitol St NE, Salem, OR 97301
For reports involving wild birds, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife can be reached at 866-968-2600.
The CTUIR’s Environmental Health and Safety team has also provided guidelines for the public. They advise against touching sick, injured, or deceased birds, whether wild or domestic. Individuals should avoid contact with bird droppings, feathers, or any contaminated surfaces.
Poultry owners are encouraged to implement enhanced biosecurity measures immediately. This includes limiting access to birds and ensuring that footwear, tools, and equipment are properly disinfected.
Human Health Implications
Infections in humans due to avian influenza are rare; however, individuals who experience symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, respiratory distress, or body aches following contact with birds or poultry should seek medical attention promptly. It is important for these individuals to inform their healthcare provider of any potential exposure.
The CTUIR remains vigilant and committed to monitoring the situation closely. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and safety in the face of this outbreak.
