The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) has implemented mandatory surveillance for dairies in Cache County after Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was detected in the area. As of the latest update, 22 total dairies in Utah have been affected by the virus.
The current quarantine status across the state includes 10 dairies in Cache County, six in Box Elder County, and four in Weber County. To date, two dairies have been released from quarantine.
HPAI is a highly contagious disease that can be caused by A (H5) and A (H7) viruses. While often fatal in poultry, dairy cattle typically do not die from the virus but may experience symptoms such as decreased milk production, fever, dehydration, decreased feed consumption, and thicker, colloc-like milk.
According to UDAF, the risk of HPAI to the general public remains low, though mild illnesses have been reported among exposed livestock workers in other states. Health officials recommend that individuals with prolonged exposure to poultry or dairy cattle who exhibit symptoms like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing contact their local health department.
For food safety, it is recommended to pasteurize dairy products and cook poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The spread of HPAI in dairy cattle has been observed through various routes, including milk, animal movement, people, and equipment. Following a federal order issued by the USDA on April 24, 2024, milk from lactating dairy cattle must test negative for HPAI before crossing state lines.
To assist with compliance, UDAF has developed the Bovine HPAI Certified Tester Training Program, allowing producers to collect milk samples themselves.
