Dairy Cattle HPAI Emergency Declaration
Box Elder County Declares Local State of Emergency to Support Dairy Producers During HPAI Response
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah — July 9, 2026 — The Box Elder County Commission has declared a local state of emergency in response to the ongoing impacts of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) affecting dairy cattle within the county.
The declaration enables Box Elder County to coordinate resources, support local agricultural producers, and work closely with state and federal partners as response efforts continue.
Beginning on or about June 25, 2026, a sample from a dairy farm in Box Elder County tested positive for HPAI. The pathogen has caused severe milk production loss and has impacted at least 50% of the dairy cows and almost 50% of the dairy farms in Box Elder County. Affected dairy farms and cows must be quarantined. Animal quarantine and continued monitoring are required for up to 90 days for the pathogen to be removed from infected herds.
The declaration recognizes the vital need for:
- Continued monitoring and testing.
- Implementation of personal protective equipment (PPE) and biosecurity measures on infected farms.
- Coordinated response efforts to support local dairy producers and protect the agricultural community.
What Is HPAI and How Does It Spread?
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly referred to as HPAI or “bird flu,” is a contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds but can also affect certain mammals, including dairy cattle.
- Introduction Point: The most likely introduction point for HPAI to enter dairy farms is through feed contaminated with bird feces.
- Herd Spread: In dairy cattle, bird flu primarily spreads through the movement of cattle and normal farm operations like sharing vehicles and equipment, milk handling, and people moving between farms. So far, there is no evidence that wild birds are the main source of cattle infections.
- Recovery and Impact: Most herds see less than 10-20% of cows get sick, and death rates are usually under 2%. Infected cows typically display symptoms for 7 to 10 days before experiencing a recovery. Approximately 10% of afflicted cows do not fully recuperate and fail to return to their previous levels of milk production.
Standing With Box Elder County’s Agricultural Families
Agriculture is the foundation of Box Elder County’s history, economy, and way of life. For generations, farmers, ranchers, dairy producers, and growers have worked tirelessly to care for their animals, steward the land, and provide food for families throughout Utah and beyond.
The Box Elder County Commission recognizes the massive challenges this HPAI outbreak creates for local dairy producers and their families. This declaration reflects the County’s commitment to standing with local producers, supporting their response efforts, and working alongside state and federal partners to provide coordination, resources, and accurate information.
“Box Elder County’s agricultural producers are among the hardest-working people in our county,” said Box Elder County Commission Chair Tyler Vincent. “They are our neighbors, our friends, and the families who have built and sustained an industry that is vital to our economy, our heritage, and our communities. We are committed to supporting them, working together through this challenge, and ensuring they have access to the resources and information they need.”
Purpose of the Emergency Declaration and Financial Support
The magnitude and cost of responding to and recovering from the loss of milk production are far in excess of Box Elder County’s available resources, making it necessary to call on state and federal resources for financial support and recovery.
Available Financial Assistance Programs
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): Offers funds to impacted milk producers to help enhance biosecurity practices, offset costs associated with testing and shipping samples, and protect employees.
- Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF): Provides an Agriculture Resource Development Loan (ARDL) program, which can be utilized when a county declares a state of emergency.
- Testing Reimbursement: If a test is taken by a licensed veterinarian, UDAF may cover the cost.
Notice: The declaration is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days, unless extended or terminated by the Box Elder County Commission.
State Continues Weekly Testing of Dairy Herds
UDAF continues conducting weekly testing of all dairy farms in Box Elder County to monitor the situation, track the spread of HPAI, and guide response efforts. Box Elder County continues working closely with state agricultural officials, emergency management partners, veterinarians, and federal agencies to support producers and ensure accurate information is shared with the public.
What Dairy Owners Should Know
Residents who own dairy cows are not considered to be at high risk, but they should continue monitoring their animals and contact their veterinarian if they notice signs of illness.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Decreased milk production or lower milk output
- Reduced appetite, decrease in eating, or reduced feed intake
- Animals appearing unhappy, lethargic, or generally not seeming well
- Thickened, colostrum-like, or highly concentrated milk
- Abnormal feces (tacky or loose)
- Fever or dehydration
Dairy owners may also submit a milk sample for testing through the
Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Logan. Visit
the UVDL website for submission details.
Public Health Risk Remains Low
The local state of emergency declaration does not mean there is an increased risk to public health. It is a preparedness and coordination measure that allows the County to better support response efforts and assist agricultural producers.
The risk of HPAI to the general public remains low.
- Pasteurized Dairy: SAFE TO CONSUME. There is no public health threat from consuming pasteurized dairy products. Pasteurization effectively inactivates the HPAI virus.
- Raw Milk:
DO NOT CONSUME. Residents should not consume raw, unpasteurized milk, as it may contain HPAI for several weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
How Residents Can Help Protect Livestock
Residents can help reduce the spread of disease and protect local livestock by:
- Not handling sick or dead wild birds.
- Reporting unusual livestock illness to a veterinarian.
- Following recommended biosecurity practices.
- Washing hands frequently.
- Disinfecting tools, equipment, vehicles, and other items that come into contact with livestock.
- Following official sources for accurate information and updates.
Biosecurity Remains the Best Defense
The County strongly encourages livestock owners to strengthen daily biosecurity practices, including:
- Limiting visitors: Limit unnecessary visitors to livestock areas.
- Avoiding shared equipment: Avoid sharing equipment between operations; do not borrow tools or equipment.
- Disinfecting vehicles: Disinfect vehicles, trailers, and equipment before entering livestock areas. Spray disinfectant on all vehicles and tires before entering and exiting the farm.
- Using dedicated gear: Use dedicated boots and clothing when working with animals.
- Separating species: Keep livestock separated from wildlife and other species when possible.
- Traveling safely: Follow established biosecurity protocols during animal movement, fairs, and exhibitions. Isolate returning animals for at least 30 days.
Resources & Future Updates
Box Elder County will continue monitoring the situation alongside the State of Utah and will provide updates as additional information is received. Although the local state of emergency declaration is limited to 30 days, the County’s commitment to supporting local producers continues.
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https://www.boxeldercountyut.gov/681/Dairy-Cattle-HPAI-Emergency-Declaration
