The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a dairy in Weld County, Colorado. It is the first such detection at the state’s dairies since August 2024.
The virus was found during routine testing of milk taken from bulk tanks. The test was performed by the Colorado State University veterinary laboratory, and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the result on Oct. 24. State authorities did not say which dairy is involved.
The farm has been placed under quarantine. Dairy cows may not leave it, and the owners must follow strict biosecurity procedures. Weekly testing of milk from the bulk tank will continue until results are negative two weeks in a row.
Health officials said Friday that the risk of a person becoming infected by drinking milk is low. Pasteurization kills the virus. The greatest risk is to people who come into contact with infected birds or animals. State veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin said in a statement that the detection confirms the importance of routine testing.
The first cases at Colorado dairies were recorded in April 2024, and the outbreak ultimately affected 64 farms. Colorado became the first state in the country to introduce mandatory bulk tank milk testing at commercial dairies. By December 2024, all affected herds had been released from quarantine.
In January, bird flu was also found at a commercial chicken farm, also in Weld County. Meanwhile, in Washington state, the virus has spread to 27 dairies over the past three weeks.
Source: Colorado Sun
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