Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Idaho Cattle
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), has identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in three Cassia County dairy cattle operations.
These are the only confirmed cases of HPAI in dairy cattle operations in Idaho. It is suggested the virus is transmitted from cow-to-cow, in addition to reports indicating cattle acquire the virus from infected birds. The primary concern with an HPAI diagnosis in dairy cattle is on-dairy production losses, as the disease has been associated with decreased milk production.
Symptoms of HPAI in cattle include:
- Drop in milk production
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in manure consistency
- Thickened or colostrum-like milk
- Low-grade fever
ISDA Response
For decades, Idaho has worked diligently to implement industry-driven programs that mitigate the transmission of diseases that cause on-farm economic losses. ISDA’s response to the detection of HPAI in cattle aligns with standard ISDA animal disease detection procedure.
The ISDA implements a quarantine on HPAI positive dairy facilities, meaning no livestock are permitted to enter or exit the infected premises. These are open cases, ISDA is continuing to investigate via additional sampling.
The infected cattle are being quarantined from the rest of the herd on the facilities. Pasteurized milk from affected cows does not present a human health concern, and the cows on the dairy will continue to produce milk and all animals will be cared for normally.
This is an evolving situation, and additional updates will be provided by ISDA as they become available.
View cattle import requirements here.
What Livestock Producers Can Do
- Enhance biosecurity measures (see below information below).
- Closely monitor your herd for the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Thickened or colostrum-like milk
- Decreased milk production
If your cattle appear to be infected:
- Contact your local veterinarian immediately.
- After talking with your veterinarian, fill out the HPAI Livestock Screen.
- Once the screen is submitted, an ISDA veterinarian will review the screen to determine if ISDA assistance is needed. Direct assistance from ISDA will be dependent on the severity and size of the herd as well as the availability of ISDA veterinarians.
Internal and External Biosecurity Practices on Cattle Operations
Enhanced Biosecurity Prep Guide
Cleaning and Disinfection Biosecurity Tips
Isolation and Quarantine Tip Sheet
Prevent Avian Influenza at Your Farm: Improve Your Biosecurity with Simple Wildlife Practices
At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health. The pasteurization process of heating milk to a high temperature ensures milk and dairy products can be safely consumed, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Pasteurization has continually proven to successfully inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk. Dairies are also required to only allow milk from healthy animals to enter the food supply chain.