As cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza spread across U.S. cattle, Idaho officials say their biggest concern is the virus’ impact on Idaho’s economy. 

The illness, also coined the bird flu, has sickened cattle across at least eight states, with the first case detected in Texas cattle in late March, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

On April 1, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture reported its first case of the bird flu in cattle in Cassia County. The cattle infected had been recently imported from Texas, Sydney Kennedy, the spokesperson for the department of agriculture told the Idaho Capital Sun. 

And on Monday, the department confirmed a second herd in Cassia County is positive for the bird flu.

Kennedy said the state is well-prepared with financial resources and trained staff to respond to animal diseases. The Idaho facilities with infected cattle have been placed under a quarantine to limit the movement of cattle, she said.

“Idaho is a major livestock state, and we cannot forget about what this truly means to the dairymen,” she said. “The outbreak in dairy herds primarily affects lactating cows, reducing milk production, this leaves the greatest amount of financial impact on the dairymen. Idaho’s dairy industry contributes significant economic value ($3.5 billion) to our state.”

What is the highly pathogenic avian influenza — a.k.a. bird flu? 

The bird flu spreads naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide, and it can infect domestic poultry and other species, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the virus emerged through birds, it has been detected in cattle, which is unusual, according to University of Idaho veterinary medicine assistant professor Lauren Christensen.

“This is not something that we’re typically looking for in mammals because the virus typically is only able to infect other poultry or other birds,” she told the Idaho Capital Sun. “We usually don’t see the virus able to switch over to mammals.”

The virus is mostly seen in wild flocks of geese or ducks that are migrating, Christensen said. Like with the flu, she said it’s virus particles coming from one infected animal or person going to another — usually in close contact.

Christensen said the virus causes significant disease and even death among chickens. But so far, no cows across the country have died from it. 

Christensen said the main symptoms of the virus in cows include decrease in milk production and loss in appetite. Other symptoms may include a low grade fever, color changes in milk or thickened milk.

Christensen said milk bought at the grocery store is safe for human consumption because it’s been pasteurized, or heated to a high temperature to kill harmful bacteria.

“Wash your hands, drink pasteurized milk, and you’ll be fine,” Christensen said.

While the bird flu does not normally infect humans, some human infections have occurred, according to the CDC. Earlier this month, federal officials identified the first human case of the illness in a Texas dairy worker, Politico reported. The symptoms are mild and the worker is expected to recover. 

Rick Naerebout, the CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, told the Sun the biggest concern for Idaho is its financial impact on the dairy industry.

Naerebout said Idaho dairy workers are encouraged to follow biosecurity measures such as wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves, aprons and glasses. Dairy workers are also encouraged to separate their work clothes and everyday clothes, he said. 

“What we’re hearing coming out of the Southwest is you can lose up to 20% of your milk production, and our dairymen are coming off over a year of negative margin,” he said. “That’s just really stressful on the finances and trying to be able to continue to wander through the storm that we’re in.”

To learn more about detections of the virus, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website. For updates about detected reports in Idaho, visit the Idaho State Department of Agriculture website. To learn more about the virus and how to prevent it, visit the CDC website. 

Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on April 25, 2024.

IDAHO FALLS – The Idaho Falls School District spent nearly $124,000 on attorneys’ fees in two legal cases that have made headlines over the past years, according to invoices obtained through a public records request.

That total includes $58,200 spent defending the district’s former superintendent, James Shank, and former communications director, Margaret Wimborne, against allegations that they violated the public integrity in elections act by using public dollars to promote a $250 million bond that ultimately failed in the November 2022 election.

Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal charged the district employees with the civil offense, and ordered them to pay a combined $375.

RELATED | D91 employees reach settlement in civil complaint over use of school board money

Idaho Falls trustees decided to fight the finding in court. A settlement was reached late last year; the complaint against Wimborne was dismissed and the fine was reduced to $250.

School leaders said at the time that they “were eager to resolve this matter in recognition of the increasing litigation costs for D91 taxpayers.”

The district spent another $65,300 defending a $33 million plant facilities levy after the State Tax Commission ruled that it was illegal because the district already had another ongoing plant facilities levy.

RELATED | Prosecutor: “I didn’t pick this fight” with Idaho Falls school leaders

But an Ada County judge sided with the tax commission in November, and the district was not allowed to collect the taxes, which would have funded a new elementary school.

Lawyers from Hawley Troxell, a well-known firm in education circles, represented the district in both cases. The invoices from Hawley Troxell were heavily redacted, including the itemized description of legal services.

Idaho Falls trustees recently made $4.3 million in cuts, which they said was necessary due to expiring COVID dollars, reduced state funding, overspending, and overstaffing.

Overview of Idaho’s Market Shift

Over the last several years, there has been a major shift in home values throughout the state of Idaho. A combination of inflation and an influx of people moving in from other states post-pandemic has created significant supply and demand issues statewide.

Industry insiders suggest that the market is beginning to stabilize, with existing homes selling for much less than they did a few years ago. But is this the case? Keep scrolling for samples pulled from 20 markets across the state of Idaho.

Methodology

I took an unbiased look across the state to see what a $300,000 house looks like across 20 Idaho markets, and the findings were quite interesting. Some areas, which I expected to be less expensive, indeed were—but not by as much as I anticipated. One thing is certain: $300,000 does not stretch as far as it used to.

To ensure fairness, I primarily considered home listings. The exceptions include areas where the only listings under the $300,000 ceiling were non-traditional homes, such as manufactured homes, mobile homes, or condos.

I specifically excluded major fixer-uppers to better represent what it takes to move into a livable home with minimal upfront maintenance.

Key Observations From Cost Comparisons In Idaho

1. Livability Versus Cost

All the homes listed at or below the $300,000 budget are perfectly livable, yet it’s clear that housing value does not go as far as it once did. Generally, buying a home at this price point means sacrificing square footage.

2. Cost Variability Across Cities

While it’s more expensive to buy in the Boise area, the cost differences between smaller metro areas are not as stark as you might expect.

3. Scarcity of First-Time Listings

Finding first-time listings at $300,000 is nearly impossible. Most homes at this price were built well before 1970.

Across all markets, spending slightly above $300,000—around $325,000—opens up more options. Above $350,000, newer homes and first-time listings become more prevalent in the search results.

Exploring Idaho’s housing market reveals that while $300,000 can still secure a decent home, the value you get for your money has diminished compared to past years. Buyers looking for more variety and newer properties might need to consider stretching their budget to find their ideal home in today’s market.