The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, in dairy cattle in the state. This brings the number of affected states to four, indicating the virus may be spreading from cow to cow. The cows were brought into the Cassia County dairy from another state that had found HPAI in dairy cattle. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has also confirmed that an investigation into mysterious illnesses in dairy cows in three states was due to HPAI, with wild birds being the source. Symptoms of HPAI include a drop in milk production, loss of appetite, changes in manure consistency, thickened or colostrum-like milk, and low-grade fever. The ISDA encourages dairy producers to closely monitor their herd and contact their local veterinarian if cattle show symptoms.
