Avian flu first found in Central Valley is spreading, with new California cases confirmed

State and federal officials have identified new cases of Avian influenza at three Central Valley dairies as the number of infected cows continues to climb in California.

The virus, known as Avian influenza or H5N1, has made its way across the U.S. since March, striking 14 states and infecting 200 dairy herds.

California announced the discovery of the virus on Aug. 30 after cows at three Central Valley dairies tested positive. Once confirmed, the state placed the dairies under quarantine in an attempt to prevent the virus from spreading.

On its website, the U.S. Department of Agriculture identified eight livestock herds in California with confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Cows infected with the virus become lethargic, eat less and produce less milk. Although fatal to poultry, dairy cows with Avian influenza recover in several weeks.

The most recent discovery of Avian influenza was found at three dairies with a connection to the Valley dairies previously infected with sick cows.

Federal and state officials, including the California Department of Food and Agriculture, tested cows at the new dairies as part of their effort to identify affected dairy farms as early as possible.

The quicker the virus can be detected, the faster farmers can implement heightened biosecurity measures, cow care and worker-safety protections.

Scientists say the virus can be transferred easily by equipment, clothing, and from cow to cow.

State officials remind the public that California’s milk supply and dairy foods are safe to consume. Milk from healthy cows is pasteurized, a process that renders the virus inactive.

The virus is also not considered a significant public health threat and the risk to humans is considered to be low.

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