Idaho: H5N1 Cases Improving, But More Work Remains

Idaho is one of 14 states reporting Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influence in dairy herds, and efforts continue to figure out how the virus is being spread.  Idaho state veterinarian doctor Scott Leibsle said H5N1 cases peaked in May and June.  He points out that Idaho is now looking better.

“We've only got, I think now six total dairies out of those total 34 that are under quarantine," Leibsle pointed out.  "All the remainder of the dairies have tested and their quarantines have been released.”

Infected cows means a down time of 3-5 weeks before they clear the virus.  Leibsle said there are many possible ways the virus is spread.

“How it's being spread almost certainly is multifactorial. Whether it's being shed from wild bird populations, whether it's being transmitted from counter cow, whether it's mechanical, it's being transferred from 1 milking claw, you know, to the next cow and line, and the milk parlor, whether it's on people's boots, on the tires of the equipment that work on the dairies. All of those things are playing a factor.”

Leibsle added he's hopeful Idaho can help other states better deal with the virus.

"In the last six months, we've learned more and hopefully states that are finding new dairies that are affected by the virus can use that knowledge to help prevent additional spread and to mitigate the damage.”

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