Avian Flu found in northern Nevada dairy cows

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – The Nevada Department of Agriculture says they have detected Avian Flu in dairy cattle in Churchill County.

They say the affected premises have been quarantined and mandatory testing will occur onsite at regular intervals until the herds are confirmed to be virus free. The announcement comes after avian flu was found in Nye County in December of 2024.

“Ensuring the safety of the industry is our utmost priority, and the NDA is working with industry members,” said NDA State Veterinarian Peter Rolfe, DVM. “It is critical that animal health biosecurity practices are enhanced to help prevent the spread of disease and protect animal and worker safety.”

The CDC maintains that the risk to humans remains low. The NDA is now working with state and county health officials, but the NDA says diary and meat products remain safe for consumption.

“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,” said Dr. Rolfe.

The virus has been detected in dairy cattle in 16 states nationwide since March 2024.

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