The fourth confirmed bird flu case in Deschutes County this year has led the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) to expand the previous quarantine zone into Redmond, including the fairgrounds. That means there will be no poultry this year at the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo, which starts in less than two weeks.
The latest case, confirmed on July 19, involves approximately 40 chickens and ducks. It is the ninth confirmed case in Oregon of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The U.S. Department of Agriculture humanely euthanized the chickens and ducks on the property, ODA said. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system.
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ODA said there is no public health concern. It reminds people that avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, so those are safe to eat. But it’s always important to properly cook those items, regardless.
The regional quarantine includes the city of Bend and much of the surrounding area. This new confirmed case expands that zone into Redmond. Here is an online map of the quarantine zone where users can input their address to see where they fall.
Fair director Geoff Hinds confirmed Friday that due to the expanded quarantine zone, there will be no poultry at the event this year.
Watch our previous coverage below about the potential effect of a bird flu quarantine on the poultry barn at the fair
