H5N1 Reported In Idaho Dairy Cattle

After a quiet start to 2026, bird flu has become very active in Idaho.  USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed this week that 19 cows have tested positive for H5N1 in Idaho this year.

Investigators say the first report of bird flu, which impacted five cows, occurred April 13th.  The virus became much more active this month, with positive cases reported May 11th,12th and 26th.

USDA said these most recent cases continue the nationwide outbreak that has affected over 1,100 dairy cows across 20 states since March 2024.  H5N1 infections in dairy cattle can range from severe to almost undetectable, with many infected cows showing only mild symptoms.

Click Here for the latest numbers, for cattle, swine and chicken, from USDA's APHIS.

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