Silver State Times

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) has reported the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle located in Churchill County, Nevada. The premises affected by the virus have been quarantined, and mandatory testing will be conducted regularly until the herds are confirmed to be free of the virus. This follows a previous detection in Nye County in December 2024.

"Ensuring the safety of the industry is our utmost priority, and the NDA is working with industry members," stated NDA State Veterinarian Peter Rolfe, DVM. He emphasized the importance of enhancing animal health biosecurity practices to prevent disease spread and protect both animal and worker safety.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the risk to humans remains low. The NDA is collaborating with state and county health officials to ensure human health and safety. It has been affirmed that dairy and meat products remain safe for consumption. The USDA has also determined that pasteurized milk does not transmit the virus to humans, while raw milk remains 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," added Dr. Rolfe.

For more information on food safety, individuals can visit foodsafety.gov.

Since March 2024, HPAI has been detected in dairy cattle across 16 states in the U.S. Livestock owners are advised to practice good biosecurity measures and monitor their animals for signs of illness such as reduced milk production, decreased feed consumption, coughing, or sneezing. In case of any symptoms, contacting a local veterinarian is recommended.

Livestock workers should also be vigilant for mild symptoms like fever, eye redness or irritation, or respiratory issues. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can be obtained through Central Nevada Health District by calling 775-866-7535.

The mission of the Nevada Department of Agriculture is to preserve, protect and promote agriculture within Nevada. With a team of 225 employees across five divisions—Administrative Services, Animal Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, Plant Health and Compliance—the department operates with a $288 million budget aimed at regulatory oversight in agriculture and food manufacturing industries while ensuring public health protection and providing nutrition program services under USDA guidance.