Avian flu hits Washington state’s dairy farms and spreads quickly.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed initial detections in two Yakima County dairy herds in early October. On October 26, the agency reported highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Benton County.
In three weeks, 27 dairy farms tested positive for bird flu.
“The virus is evolving rapidly…despite all the efforts we have made during the lockdown,” said Amber Itle, state veterinarian. “At present, the risk to humans is very low.”
Milk from an infected dairy cow poses no risk for human consumption, Itle said. However, the ministry recommends drinking pasteurized milk as the virus will be killed during treatment. The virus was not found in the meat, Itle said.
Containing the spread will be a challenge because researchers don’t fully understand how HPAI transmission occurs, Itle said. The transfer of sick dairy cows and contaminated equipment from one farm to another is a known cause, but there are likely many others.
“Some studies even suggest that flies can move this virus, wind can move this virus, and maybe even… birds that can move from one farm to another,” Itle said.
Washington is the 20th state in the country to detect avian flu in dairy cattle.
Over the past two years, the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory has conducted more than 7,000 avian flu tests on individual farms. Until three weeks ago, all tests were negative, Itle said.
In response, “every farm in the targeted dairy basin where we see spread is tested on a weekly basis,” Itle added.
Symptoms of the disease include decreased milk production, changes in the appearance of milk, loss of appetite, fever, breathing problems, and changes in manure. When properly treated, most infected cattle recover within six weeks, according to the agency.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture recommends isolating animals suspected of carrying the disease and reporting symptoms to the state by email. (email protected) or by calling (360) 902-1878.
Gn Health
