Utah Becomes 15th U.S. State with H5N1 Infections in Dairy Farms While More Farmworkers Get Infected in Washington

Medical News: H5N1 Avian Flu Confirmed in Utah Dairy Farms
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) has confirmed that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has infected eight dairy farms in Cache County. This recent outbreak adds Utah to the growing list of 15 states in the U.S. dealing with H5N1 avian flu in cattle.
https://ag.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PR-Avian-Influenza-Confirmed-in-Utah-Dairies-10.30.2024.docx-1.pdf
 

Utah Becomes 15th U.S. State with H5N1 Infections in Dairy Farms While More
Farmworkers Get Infected in Washington (Image: AI-Generated)

These dairy farms are now under quarantine, meaning no lactating cattle can enter or leave the premises except those sent directly for slaughter. This Medical News report will cover what you need to know about the spread of this virus, the preventive measures in place, and how authorities are working to contain it.
 
The confirmation of the H5N1 strain at Utah’s dairy farms follows a similar outbreak in Cache County’s poultry flocks reported on October 15.
 
Dairy farms in the region are now required to undergo regular testing to prevent further spread, as officials worry about potential impacts on farm workers and livestock across the state.
 
Nationwide Spread and Testing Measures
In response to rising cases across the country, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new testing initiative to sample bulk milk tanks. The goal is to monitor and detect the presence of the H5N1 virus in dairy cows.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-builds-actions-protect-livestock-public-health-h5n1-avian-influenza
 
Initial samples in Utah were sent to the state’s diagnostic lab in Logan, and final confirmation came from the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has implemented bulk milk sampling in the hardest-hit states, including California and Colorado, to track the virus’s reach. Testing has been a proactive approach in states already dealing with widespread H5N1 outbreaks, helping authorities minimize risk to farm workers and control the virus before it spreads further.
 
State Veterinarian Urges Vigilance in Utah
Dr. Daniel Christensen, Utah’s State Veterinarian, emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and safety protocols at dairy farms. "Mandatory surveillance and restrictions on animal movement are critical to slowing the virus’s spread," said Dr. Christensen. According to him, there is no immediate threat to the food supply, as the virus does not impact dairy cows as severely as it affects poultry. However, he urges farm owners and workers to remain vigilant.
 
The affected dairy farms in Utah have enacted strict biosecurity measures, with special protocols to prevent the virus from spreading between farms. To safeguard farm workers and animals, dairies are required to sanitize equipment, restrict farm access, and closely monitor livestock for any symptoms of avian flu.
 
H5N1 Outbreaks Continue to Rise in Other States
Utah’s recent outbreak is part of a larger trend across the country. California and Colorado, two of the most affected states, have reported high numbers of infections. California alone saw nine additional H5N1 outbreaks at dairy farms this week, increasing its total to over 200 cases.
 
Washington State has also reported new cases of avian flu among poultry cullers - workers involved in the humane culling of infected flocks. The latest reports confirm three more infections in Washington, bringing the state’s total to nine and the national total to 39 confirmed cases.
https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/avian-influenza
 
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html
 
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised that nearly all cases have resulted from farm workers' exposure to infected poultry or cattle.
 
California’s poultry farms have been hit especially hard, with multiple new outbreaks detected in Tulare and Kings counties in the Central Valley. The USDA is investigating the origins of these outbreaks, as seasonal bird migrations may be contributing to the spread. The virus can sometimes be carried by wild birds, increasing the risk of outbreaks in poultry and livestock near migratory paths.

Precautionary Steps for Dairy Farmers
Following the outbreak in Cache County, Utah implemented a surveillance program on October 23, requiring all local dairy farms to submit weekly milk samples for testing. Farms that test positive are quarantined and must implement stricter biosecurity measures. Dr. Christensen has advised dairy farmers to stay alert to signs of avian flu in their herds, including decreased milk production, thicker milk, reduced feed intake, dehydration, and fever.
 
Dairy farmers are also encouraged to report any unusual symptoms in their cattle to the Utah State Veterinarian’s Office. While dairy cattle typically recover from H5N1 infection within a few weeks, the virus can be fatal in poultry, making cross-contamination a serious concern. The USDA recommends that all dairy products be pasteurized and that poultry and eggs be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
 
Protecting Farm Workers’ Health
For farm workers who frequently handle dairy cattle, the U.S. CDC advises caution. Symptoms of avian flu in humans may include fever, sore throat, difficulty breathing, cough, and other respiratory issues. Workers who experience these symptoms after prolonged contact with cattle should seek medical attention. Additionally, it’s crucial to practice hand hygiene and use personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of infection.
 
Fortunately, avian flu in dairy cows does not pose an immediate risk to public health, according to health officials. Current cases primarily involve farm workers who come into direct contact with infected animals. Public health experts are working closely with veterinary and agricultural officials to monitor and contain the spread while ensuring that food safety standards are strictly followed.
 
Conclusion: Controlling the Spread and Next Steps
The recent H5N1 outbreak in Utah’s dairy farms highlights the need for swift action and coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local authorities. With 15 states now impacted by avian flu in dairy farms, the USDA and APHIS are enhancing testing protocols and expanding preventive measures to contain the virus. These include bulk milk sampling, strict biosecurity practices, and quarantining infected facilities. In addition, educational campaigns are ongoing to help farm workers identify symptoms and reduce the risk of exposure.
 
The current outbreaks emphasize the importance of proactive testing and robust biosecurity strategies. The cooperation between local and federal agencies will be vital as dairy farms in affected states continue to monitor and mitigate the spread of H5N1. Dairy and poultry farmers are advised to remain vigilant, report unusual symptoms in livestock, and adhere to public health guidelines to minimize risks to both animals and people.
 
For the latest H5N1 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/h5n1-bird-flu-now-found-in-a-pig-at-a-farm-in-oregon-united-states
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/human-h5n1-infections-in-america-rises-to-36-with-387-dairy-herds-affected-along-with-hundreds-of-poultry-farms-across-48-states
 
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