In early February 2025, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle within Nye and Churchill counties. This led to the implementation of quarantine measures and mandatory testing protocols at the affected premises. Preliminary findings indicate that the detected strain aligns with those found in wild birds across North America.
Dairy cattle premises in Nye and Churchill counties, Nevada, have been quarantined amidst avian flu concerns. The USDA is actively testing to identify the specific strain of the virus detected in Churchill County. Preliminary findings align with strains found in wild birds across North America.
Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director J.J. Goicoechea emphasized the virus’s potential spread through contaminated clothing and shared equipment, as well as transmission from infected birds to domestic animals.
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.”
Director J.J. Goicoechea
The USDA plans to conduct further wildlife surveillance and testing to determine the strain and its transmission pathways. The NDA is actively monitoring milk silos to detect the virus before dairy cows show symptoms. Moreover, steps are being taken to manage non-native European starling populations in Churchill, Pershing, and Lyon Counties due to their role in spreading the disease.
Despite these developments, the CDC reports the risk to humans as low, and the NDA assures that dairy and meat products remain safe when cooked properly. Pasteurized milk has also been deemed safe in terms of virus transmission to humans.
