Avian Influenza Outbreak Leads to Euthanasia of Nearly 95,000 Chickens in Oregon
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was detected in a commercial egg layer flock in Clackamas County, Oregon, leading to the euthanasia of approximately 94,200 chickens.
Medford Klamath Falls, OR, November 6, 2026 — A commercial egg layer flock in Clackamas County, Oregon, has been impacted by a detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The outbreak has resulted in the euthanasia of approximately 94,200 chickens to prevent further spread of the disease.
The presence of HPAI was confirmed in the flock, prompting swift action from animal health officials. The specific date of detection and confirmation was not provided. The euthanasia of the affected birds is a standard biosecurity measure implemented to control and eradicate outbreaks of HPAI in poultry populations.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a serious and contagious viral disease affecting birds. While the risk to humans is considered low, HPAI can cause severe illness and high mortality rates in domestic poultry, including chickens, turkeys, and ducks. The virus can spread rapidly through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated feed, water, and equipment.
Authorities have initiated containment measures around the affected premises. Further details regarding the specific strain of HPAI, the origin of the outbreak, or any ongoing investigations were not immediately available. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture are typically involved in managing such incidents, working to implement quarantine protocols and surveillance in surrounding areas to monitor for any additional detections.
The economic impact of HPAI outbreaks can be significant for the poultry industry, involving losses of birds, trade restrictions, and costs associated with disease control and eradication efforts. The exact timeline for the depopulation and the subsequent cleaning and disinfection of the affected site was not specified.
Information regarding any previous HPAI detections in the region or the specific farm’s history with avian diseases was not detailed in the provided summary. The total number of birds euthanized, stated as approximately 94,200, represents a substantial loss for the commercial egg operation.
Story summarized from the original created by Kyle Odegard on rv-times.com, see more information here.
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