Avian Flu Detected in Nevada Dairy Cattle; Quarantine and Testing Underway

In a concerning development for the agricultural sector, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has confirmed the presence of Avian Flu in dairy cattle located in Churchill County. This follows a previous outbreak in Nye County in December 2024. The NDA has swiftly responded by implementing quarantine measures and instituting mandatory testing at the affected premises.

State Veterinarian Peter Rolfe, DVM, highlighted the critical need for enhancing animal health biosecurity practices to mitigate the spread of the disease. "Ensuring the safety of the industry is our utmost priority, and the NDA is working with industry members," Rolfe stated, underscoring the collaborative efforts underway to ensure safety.

Despite the outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asserts that the risk to human health remains low. Both state and county health officials are coordinating with the NDA, assuring the public that dairy and meat products continue to be safe for consumption. Consumers are advised to adhere to standard food safety guidelines, including the consumption of only pasteurized milk and cheeses, and ensuring meat is cooked to the recommended internal temperatures.

Since March 2024, the virus has been detected in dairy cattle across 16 states, raising concerns among agricultural stakeholders nationwide as they look to prevent further occurrences.