Avian flu found in backyard poultry in southern Oregon

SALEM, Ore. — Avian flu has been found in a backyard flock of poultry in southern Oregon.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture said Friday the same strain of the virus H5N8 that was recently discovered in a gyrfalcon in Washington state was found in a flock of about 100 chickens and guinea fowl kept privately in the Douglas County town Winston.

State veterinarian Dr. Brad LeaMaster says avian flu has not been found anywhere else in Oregon. He advises people — especially commercial poultry operations — to report sick birds and take steps to assure their flocks don’t contact wild birds.

The department says this strain of the virus has not spread to humans anywhere and says the meat and eggs of infected birds are safe to eat and should be properly cooked.