Affected cows have been quarantined and milk supplies remain safe for consumption.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle in Churchill County. The affected premises have been quarantined, and mandatory testing will occur onsite at regular intervals until the herds are confirmed to be virus-free. The first detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in Nevada was made in Nye County in December of 2024.
“Ensuring the safety of the industry is our utmost priority, and the NDA is working with industry members,” said NDA State Veterinarian Peter Rolfe, DVM. “It is critical that animal health biosecurity practices are enhanced to help prevent the spread of disease and protect animal and worker safety.”
“As always, we recommend following food safety guidelines, only eating or drinking pasteurized milk and cheeses, and cooking meat to the appropriate minimum internal temperatures,” said Dr. Rolfe.
More information on food safety is available at foodsafety.gov.
HPAI has been detected in dairy cattle in 16 states throughout the U.S. since March 2024. Livestock owners are encouraged to practice good biosecurity and monitor animals for signs of illness. HPAI presents mild symptoms in cows, including reduced milk production, decreased feed consumption or coughing or sneezing. If an animal shows any signs of illness, contact your local veterinarian.
Livestock workers should also monitor for symptoms, which may be mild, including fever, eye redness or irritation, or respiratory symptoms. Individuals showing signs of illness should seek medical attention. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available through Central Nevada Health District and can be requested by calling 775-866-7535.
About the Nevada Department of Agriculture
TheNevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administrative Services, Animal Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and Compliance. The department’s $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.
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