According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the number of dairies infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has risen from 17 to 34.
A CDFA spokesperson expects more cases to emerge as testing continues in the coming days and weeks. With 1,100 dairy herds in the state, primarily in the San Joaquin Valley, outbreaks not only quarantine infected herds but also require special testing at nearby farms, disrupting milk production. All affected dairies are under quarantine, with enhanced biosecurity measures in place and sick cows are being isolated and treated.
CDFA said California’s milk supply remains safe, as healthy cows continue shipping milk for pasteurization, which effectively inactivates the virus, ensuring no risk to consumers of pasteurized dairy products.
According to USDA, there have been 42 cases of HPAI in three states in the last 30 days as of Sept. 25.
