HPAI Spreads to Three California Dairy Herds

Three of California’s dairy farms report cattle infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. According to Wisconsin State Farmer the top milk-producing state in the county becomes the 14th to report bird flu in cattle. More than 190 herds have been infected across the nation since March. Federal data says the infections also include 13 dairy and poultry farm workers. The California Department of Food and Agriculture issued a statement saying that no human cases have been confirmed in the state.

The infected herds are in California’s Central Valley Region and began showing symptoms on August 25.

“It’s a tough time for those dairy farmers given the economic challenges they face,” said Karen Ross, California’s Secretary of Agriculture. “We’re approaching this with the utmost urgency and the infected cattle have been quarantined.” Sick cattle are isolated and treated at their farms, while healthy cows are cleared to continue milking.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com