No Bird Flu Cases in Oregon Cattle, Although the State is Taking Precautions

By Alejandro Figueroa

So far, eight states across the country have reported cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or simply bird flu, in dairy cattle herds — including Idaho. There are no active cases in Oregon, but farmers and officials have started taking precautions.

The strain, novel avian influenza H5N, is the same flu strain that has affected millions of poultry birds across the U.S. since 2022, including nearly 800,000 commercial chickens in Oregon, and several backyard flocks, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The virus was first detected in late March in two dairy herds in Texas and two in Kansas. Those infections mark the first time bird flu has been detected in dairy cattle, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

What’s the risk to dairy cows and humans?

USDA officials say wild migratory birds are believed to be the original source of the virus, though officials say in some cases, the virus may have been transmitted between cows. An analysis of the virus in cattle suggests it has not mutated or become more transmissible to humans. Although it is possible, unless a person is in prolonged contact with a sick animal, it’s rare for a person to contract the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the virus is fatal for birds, cows tend to recover on their own, and milk supplies are still safe, said Jenifer Cruickshank, an Oregon State University dairy specialist and assistant professor.

So far, eight states across the country have reported cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or simply bird flu, in dairy cattle herds — including Idaho. There are no active cases in Oregon, but farmers and officials have started taking precautions.

The strain, novel avian influenza H5N, is the same flu strain that has affected millions of poultry birds across the U.S. since 2022, including nearly 800,000 commercial chickens in Oregon, and several backyard flocks, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The virus was first detected in late March in two dairy herds in Texas and two in Kansas. Those infections mark the first time bird flu has been detected in dairy cattle, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

What’s the risk to dairy cows and humans?

USDA officials say wild migratory birds are believed to be the original source of the virus, though officials say in some cases, the virus may have been transmitted between cows. An analysis of the virus in cattle suggests it has not mutated or become more transmissible to humans. Although it is possible, unless a person is in prolonged contact with a sick animal, it’s rare for a person to contract the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the virus is fatal for birds, cows tend to recover on their own, and milk supplies are still safe, said Jenifer Cruickshank, an Oregon State University dairy specialist and assistant professor.