“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Suspected in California Dairy Herds: What You Need to Know”
The California Department of Food and Agriculture announced on Thursday that three dairy herds in the state are suspected to have been infected with H5N1 bird flu. In a news release, officials stated that they are currently investigating the possible introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza at three dairy farms in the Central Valley, although the presence of the virus has not yet been confirmed.
If tests confirm the presence of the virus, health officials have assured the public that pasteurization is fully effective at inactivating the virus, and there is no safety concern for consumers of milk or dairy products. The virus has already been detected in cattle in 13 states and 193 herds, and if confirmed in California, the number of affected states would increase to 14 and the number of herds to 196.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture has been closely monitoring the situation since the outbreak was first reported in March. They have been collaborating with private veterinarians, farmers, ranchers, and local, state, and federal agencies to develop response plans and actively monitor for the disease in livestock and poultry throughout the state.
In the event that the cases are confirmed, the agency will work in conjunction with the state’s department of public health, as well as local agricultural and public health departments, to understand the extent of the introduction and support animal health and public health activities with the goal of limiting exposure to the virus while the impacted herds develop immunity.
No specific details about the location of the herds were provided, other than that they are in the Central Valley, which covers approximately 18,000 square miles. Information regarding whether the milk from these herds has entered retail circulation is currently unavailable.
Virologist Rick Bright expressed concern over the situation, stating that the H5N1 virus has become entrenched in dairy cattle across the U.S. He emphasized the need for stringent surveillance and testing programs for animals and people before the flu season arrives to prevent the mixing of avian and human flu viruses.
California, being the largest producer of dairy in the nation, has about 1,300 dairy farms and 1.69 million dairy cows, producing nearly 20% of all U.S. milk. The Central Valley, known for its wild bird migration corridor and commercial poultry operations, is a key area of concern for the spread of avian influenza.
Despite the recent suspected cases in dairy herds, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s bird flu tracker for commercial poultry indicates that there have been no commercial outbreaks in the last 30 days and only two in backyard flocks in California. The San Joaquin Valley, which is home to over 90% of California’s dairy cows at farms with more than 500 head, is also a significant area of focus in the state’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus.