Nevada Department of Agriculture announces H5N1 avian flu virus detected in Nye County dairy cow herd - December 6, 2024

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-...officials-say/

Avian flu virus detected in Nye County dairy cows, Nevada officials say
by: Greg Haas
Posted: Dec 6, 2024 / 02:50 PM PST
Updated: Dec 6, 2024 / 03:34 PM PST


LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Avian flu has been detected in dairy cows in Nye County, according to state officials. It’s the first report of H5N1 in dairy cows in Nevada.

State agriculture officials said Friday that the site has been quarantined and mandatory testing will continue until the herd is confirmed to be free of the virus.

The U.S. government on Friday ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows...

[sharon sanders]

Gov. press release -



First Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detection in dairy cows in Nevada

The property has been quarantined and milk supplies remain safe for consumption

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Contact

Ciara Ressel
Public Information Officer
775-353-3603
cressel@agri.nv.gov
NYE COUNTY, Nev. - December 06, 2024



The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has received evidence of a detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in dairy cattle in Nye County. The affected premises has been quarantined and mandatory testing will occur onsite at regular intervals until the herd is confirmed to be virus-free. Once the virus is sequenced by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories, this would be the first detection in the state.



"Ensuring the safety of the industry is our utmost priority," said NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea. "Early action is critical to prevent the spread of animal disease. We have notified industry members and encouraged increased animal and worker safety precautions."



The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) maintains that the risk to humans remains low and the NDA is working with state and county health officials to protect human health and safety.



"The NDA thanks our partners from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Nye County Health Officer, Dr. Daniel Griffith, for their support and coordination." said NDA Director Goicoechea. "This is a huge team effort, and we are thankful to have strong partners across Nevada."



Dairy and meat products remain safe for consumption. In addition, the USDA has determined that pasteurized milk will not transmit the virus to humans. Raw milk is illegal in Nevada.



"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 NDA Director Goicoechea.



More information on food safety is available at foodsafety.gov.



H5N1 has now been detected in 16 states throughout the U.S. with detections in dairy cattle beginning in March 2024 in Texas. Since then, detections have been confirmed in Nevada's neighboring states. Livestock owners are encouraged to practice good biosecurity and monitor animals for signs of illness. H5N1 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 NDA and can be requested by calling 775-353-3709.

About the Nevada Department of Agriculture


The Nevada 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.

https://agri.nv.gov/News/2024/First_Highly_Pathogenic_Avian_Influenza_detection_in_dairy_cows_in_Nevada/

[Commonground]

Nevada Dept. of Agriculture

Nevada dairies to be treated for starling infestations to help prevent the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Starlings are non-native species and pose a health risk of spreading disease

PARKS, Nev. - December 10, 2024

Wildlife biologists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services and the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) will begin removing non-native European starling populations around several dairies in Churchill, Lyon and Nye counties. Due to their large numbers, the birds are a nuisance population and spread disease and contaminate food and water sources for livestock, putting animals at risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1), salmonella and E. Coli infections. With the recent detection of HPAI in dairy cattle in Nevada, the removal of these starling populations is critical to mitigating the spread of disease.

In the event that the public finds dead or dying birds during the removal, Wildlife Services recommends handling the birds with single-use gloves and disposing of them in the trash. The dead birds do not need to be reported. Residents unable to dispose of the starlings may call the USDA at (775) 851-4848 and provide the location of the birds by address.

For more information, visit agri.nv.gov/wildlife.

https://agri.nv.gov/News/2024/Nevada_dairies_to_be_treated_for_starling_infestations_to_help_prevent_the_spread_of_Highly_Pathogenic_Avian_Influenza/