Virus found in Cassia County puts dairy production at risk [Video]

MIA MALDONADOIdaho Capital Sun

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is encouraging dairy producers to closely monitor their herds after it identified highly pathogenic avian influenza in a Cassia County dairy cattle operation on Thursday.

These are the first cases of the virus in a livestock operation in Idaho, according to a press release from the department. The affected facility recently imported cattle from another state that has identified cases of the virus in cattle, suggesting the virus may be transmitted cow-to-cow, in addition to reports showing cattle can acquire the virus from infected birds.

The disease is associated with decreased milk production, which is the department’s primary concern, the press release said.

The department recommends dairy producers contact their local veterinarian immediately if their cattle are showing the following symptoms:

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a mandatory reportable disease, and any veterinarians who …