Some of you guys may have noticed some of our birds aren’t on exhibit, we have started our HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) protocols due to a positive case found in Jackson County. We take the health of our permanent ambassadors and clinic patients very seriously so moving them off exhibit into indoor enclosures is the best way to keep them safe from exposure to HPAI as it can be very deadly to birds and mammals.

Our clinic will NOT be accepting any waterfowl due to HPAI. We define waterfowl as any bird that spends much of it’s life on or around bodies of water. This includes but is not limited to ducks, geese, herons, grebes, loons, shorebirds, and seabirds. If you find an injured or sick waterfowl species, contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for further steps.

How to keep your own birds safe at home:

1. Keep your own birds separated from wild flocks of birds as much as possible.

2. Implement biosecurity practices such as disinfecting items that come into contact with your birds, such as shoes, feed/water dishes, gloves, clothes, and hands.

3. Secure feed bins and water to prevent contamination from wild animals.

4. Restrict visitors that have contact with your birds to limit the spread of germs.

5. Bird feeders and bird baths should be disinfected regularly in a bleach solution. We wouldn’t recommend taking them down because some bird populations can become dependent on bird feeders as a primary food source.

If you want more information about HPAI, please click this link: https://www.fda.gov/…/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian…