An instance of avian influenza has been verified at an egg production facility in Clackamas County.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture has reported that avian influenza has been detected at a commercial egg farm in Clackamas County.

According to a public document from the ODA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory verified the case on Monday. On Thursday, officials reported that approximately 150,000 chickens were put down through carbon dioxide poisoning, which is a sanctioned method for eliminating poultry affected by the virus.

According to agriculture authorities, the eggs produced by the infected birds were not included in the food supply. Since 2022, the H5N1 virus, which is the same strain of bird flu, has impacted more than 100 million poultry across the United States. This includes almost 800,000 commercial chickens in Oregon as well as various backyard flocks. The significant impact on chicken populations in recent years has contributed to a sharp increase in prices for eggs and meat.

Contrary to what its name implies, avian flu is capable of infecting various animals, including wild mammals. This year, researchers found that the virus can also transfer to dairy cattle; however, there have been no reported cases in Oregon.

Earlier this month, four agricultural workers in southeastern Washington were initially found to have tested positive for bird flu. While health authorities stress that the likelihood of bird flu affecting humans remains low, those who are in direct contact with infected birds are at a higher risk. However, some scientists caution that public health officials should increase testing among farm workers who have been exposed to ill animals to prevent potential cases from being overlooked.

Officials from ODA report that they are collaborating with the Oregon Health Authority and Clackamas County Public Health to guarantee that farm workers at the Clackamas County location receive adequate personal protective equipment and can access public health services.