BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) reported on Thursday the first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Idaho livestock.
The ISDA said in a news release that the disease, also known as the bird flu, was found in cows at a Cassia County dairy. Officials stated the dairy imported cattle from another state which had confirmed cases of the illness.
ISDA believes the disease was passed from cow to cow after contracting the virus from infected birds.
"At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health," officials stated. "The pasteurization process of heating milk to a high temperature ensures milk and dairy products can be consumed safely."
However, they are worried about the farm's losses due to a potential decrease in milk production, which is a side effect associated with the disease.
ISDA provided a list of symptoms cattle may experience:
- Drop in milk production
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in manure consistency
- Thickened or colostrum-like milk
- Low-grade fever
Officials urge farmers to keep a close eye on herds and contact a veterinarian if symptoms arise.
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