Silver State Times

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services, is implementing additional measures to curb the spread of avian influenza. Dairy cattle premises in Nye and Churchill Counties have been quarantined following detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory is conducting tests to identify the virus strain found in Churchill County, with preliminary results indicating a strain also present in wild birds across North American flyways.

"The challenge with this virus is that it may be spread through contaminated clothing worn and equipment shared between animals, but birds carrying the disease can also infect domestic animals and livestock," stated NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea, DVM. "We cannot stress enough how important it is to keep equipment clean, practice good animal health safety practices, and bolster biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of disease."

To better understand which strain is spreading and how, USDA Wildlife Services will start wildlife surveillance and testing for HPAI. Meanwhile, the NDA has been monitoring milk silos as part of the National Milk Testing Strategy to detect the virus before dairy cows show symptoms.

Efforts to prevent HPAI's spread include removing non-native European starling populations from Churchill, Pershing, and Lyon Counties. These birds are considered a nuisance due to their numbers and potential to contaminate food and water sources for animals. The removal aims to reduce risks of HPAI, salmonella, E. Coli infections, among other diseases.

Wildlife Services advises using single-use gloves when handling dead or dying birds during starling removal and disposing of them in trash bins since they might carry HPAI. Although the pesticide used is not harmful to pets, keeping pets away from deceased birds is recommended due to HPAI risk. Reporting dead birds isn't necessary; however, residents unable to dispose of starlings can contact USDA at (775) 851-4848.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), human risk remains low while NDA collaborates with state and county health officials for public safety.

"The protection of public and animal health is our utmost priority," emphasized Director Goicoechea.

Dairy and meat products are safe if cooked properly. Pasteurized milk does not transmit the virus; raw milk remains illegal in Nevada. Further food safety information can be found at foodsafety.gov.

The NDA's mission focuses on preserving Nevada's agriculture through its five divisions: Administrative Services, Animal Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, Plant Health and Compliance. With a $288 million budget supporting regulatory efforts in agriculture industries, NDA ensures public health protection alongside environmental safeguarding while overseeing USDA nutrition programs.