Avian Influenza Hitting Oregon's Migrating Fowl, Especially Willamette Valley

Published 11/10/2026 at 9:58 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Salem, Oregon) - Avian influenza continues to impact Oregon’s migrating waterfowl, with state wildlife officials reporting a growing number of sick and dead birds across the state, particularly in the Willamette Valley (Photo ODFW).

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) said many geese moving through Oregon are showing signs of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Wildlife health staff report that Cackling geese, a smaller subspecies of the Canada goose, appear to be among the hardest-hit birds.

There have been a handful on the Oregon coast in the last year and a half, but very few. In fact, no reports in that area since early January.

Throughout Oregon, however, officials are urging residents to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to keep pets away from affected wildlife. Anyone disposing of bird carcasses is advised to wear disposable gloves and a mask, place the bird in two bags, and dispose of it in the trash.

“There is no effective treatment for HPAI-infected wild and domestic birds, and the virus can spread rapidly among bird populations and potentially to other wildlife,” said ODFW. “Because of this, sick birds cannot go to a wildlife rehabilitation center and should not be captured live by the public.”

ODFW wildlife health biologists continue to monitor the outbreak by collecting and testing affected birds. While additional bird samples are not currently needed for laboratory testing, officials are asking the public to report groups of dead birds that do not show obvious signs of avian influenza. Reports can be made by calling 866-968-2600 or emailing wildlife.health@odfw.oregon.gov, though high report volumes may limit staff response.

Salem / Oregon Coast Beach Connection

This could affect other creatures as well, ODFW said. Wild mammals that consume infected birds may also become sick or display neurological symptoms. They ask the public to report affected mammals as well.

What are the common signs of avian influenza?

With wild waterfowl, these include lethargy, difficulty flying, erratic behavior, loss of coordination, cloudy eyes, head shaking, and swimming in circles. Some duck species, however, may carry and spread the virus without showing symptoms, shedding it through their droppings and contaminating wetlands used by other birds. Infected birds often die within days of showing symptoms.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of avian influenza infection in people remains low. Since 2024, 74 human cases and three related deaths have been reported in the United States.

“Report dead or sick domestic birds (chickens, turkeys, Guinea fowl) immediately to the Oregon Department of Agriculture by calling 503-986-4711 or 800-347-7028,” ODFW said.

Information on protecting backyard flocks and preventing avian influenza is available through the agency.

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