HPAI (Bird Flu) detected in Idaho dairy herd

Extension Educator Sawyer Fonnesbeck announced that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus was confirmed to be found in a dairy herd in Idaho earlier this week, according to the US Department of Agriculture.  Idaho is the fifth state to have a confirmed case of HPAI this year. You can see the full USDA press release for more information at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza...

 Fonnesbeck explains that “There continues to be a low risk for humans to get this virus.” According to the press release from the USDA, “There continues to be no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health, or that it affects the safety of the commercial milk supply because products are pasteurized before entering the market.” As always, the best way to prevent the spread of this disease between states and livestock populations is to practice good biosecurity measures! These may include:

Not allowing visitors to handle your livestock animals

Properly disinfecting clothing/boots coming in or off the farm

Washing your hands before and after coming in contact with animals

Monitoring new animals for diseases prior to introducing them to your herd/flock.

Fonnesbeck mentioned that caution should be taken with any unpasteurized milk.  Animal herds and flocks should be observed for signs of unusual or unexplained illness.  

If you have any questions about these biosecurity practices or HPAI, please reach out to the Extension Office.   The Extension Office in Caribou County can be contacted at
208-547-3205.