Bird flu confirmed in a Morrow County dairy herd: what Northwest producers should know

On Nov. 10, 2026, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), often called bird flu, in a dairy herd in Morrow County, Oregon. The Oregon Department of Agriculture says this is the first detection of HPAI in Oregon dairy cattle.

For dairy and livestock owners across the Northwest, this news calls for a careful look, not alarm. Here is what officials have said, what it means for the region, and the biosecurity steps they recommend.

What happened

According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), the virus was first picked up through Oregon’s routine statewide milk surveillance program. The Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University reported preliminary results on Nov. 6, and USDA confirmed the results on Nov. 10.

ODA has placed the affected dairy under quarantine. The quarantine restricts animal movement, and enhanced biosecurity measures are in place. ODA says no additional affected dairies have been identified at this time.

“While this detection is significant, it is not unexpected given the continued spread of HPAI among dairy cattle nationally,” said Dr. Ryan Scholz, State Veterinarian for ODA. ODA also notes that in most cases, infected dairy cows are expected to recover within a few weeks.

The bigger picture in the Northwest

Oregon’s case follows recent detections in neighboring states. Capital Press reports:

  • Bird flu has infected 1,232 dairy herds in 22 states since the outbreak began in March 2024.
  • USDA confirmed two new cases in Idaho on Nov. 6, bringing the state’s total to 180, the second-most in the U.S. behind California.
  • Washington has had all 43 of its cases confirmed since Oct. 8.
  • Nationwide, USDA has confirmed the virus in 50 dairy herds in five states in the past 30 days.

What it means for Northwest dairy and livestock operations

Cattle movement. ODA has emergency import requirements for cattle coming into Oregon from any state with cattle currently affected by HPAI. Under these rules, “No cattle exposed to, infected with, or suspected to be carrying HPAI may be imported into Oregon.” The emergency requirements apply in addition to Oregon’s existing import requirements. Lactating dairy cattle need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection completed no more than 7 days before import, an ODA import permit, and a negative PCR test for influenza A on milk samples collected no more than 7 days before import. Non-lactating dairy cattle need the inspection certificate and the import permit. Before you buy, sell, or move cattle, check current rules with ODA, your own state’s department of agriculture, and your veterinarian.

Milk and food safety. ODA says pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe to consume. APHIS says this detection does not pose a risk to consumer health. The FDA continues to advise against drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk.

People on the farm. The Oregon Health Authority says, “With the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, the risk to farm workers remains low.” ODA reports that no human cases associated with this incident have been identified in Oregon.

Practical biosecurity steps officials recommend

APHIS recommends enhanced biosecurity for all dairy farms. These steps come from APHIS and Washington State University’s dairy biosecurity guidance:

  • Limit traffic. Only allow people on the farm who need to be there. Keep a record of visitors and provide disposable shoe covers.
  • Control the gate. Use one entrance and exit, and spray disinfectant on vehicles and tires coming and going.
  • Keep gear on the farm. Use separate boots and coveralls around your herd. Clean and disinfect equipment daily, and don’t borrow tools or equipment.
  • Isolate new arrivals. APHIS recommends isolating new, borrowed, or returning animals for at least 30 days and watching them closely for signs of illness.
  • Keep wildlife out. Keep pets, wild birds, rodents, and other animals away from livestock areas, feed, and equipment. WSU advises never using untreated surface water for drinking water or to clean equipment that contacts cattle.
  • Watch what calves drink. WSU recommends feeding calves only heat-treated colostrum and pasteurized milk. That includes beef calves that may get raw colostrum or milk from dairies.
  • Milk in the right order. Milk new arrivals after the resident herd, and milk sick animals last. Follow milk system sanitation steps before milking other groups.
  • Make a plan. WSU encourages dairies to name a biosecurity manager and work with their herd veterinarian on an operation-specific plan.

Know the signs and who to call

ODA lists these signs in dairy cattle: lower feed intake and rumination, a sudden drop in milk production, thicker colostrum-like milk, fever, lethargy, dehydration, clear nasal discharge, and tacky or loose manure. Some infected cattle show no signs at all.

If your cattle show signs of HPAI, ODA asks you to notify the Oregon State Veterinarian immediately at 503-986-4711 or AnimalHealth@oda.oregon.gov. APHIS also asks producers to report any livestock with clinical signs, or any unusual sick or dead wildlife, to their state veterinarian. Outside Oregon, contact your own state veterinarian, and keep your herd veterinarian in the loop.

Talk with Graybeal Group

Graybeal Group is an independent insurance brokerage. If you’d like to talk through your operation’s risks, a Graybeal agent is glad to sit down with you and listen.

Talk with a Graybeal agent about your operation.

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