Washington confirms first detection of avian influenza in dairy cattle
OLYMPIA – Oct. 8, 2026 –The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in two Yakima County dairy farms in Washington state by the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.
For the last two years, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Washington State University have conducted over 7,000 surveillance tests for HPAI that have all been free of the disease.
This marks the first known case of HPAI in cattle in Washington state. Dairy cattle in a total of 19 states have been infected since the start of the outbreak in March 2024. Washington State Department of Agriculture conducted on-farm investigations, testing, and gathered additional epidemiological information to better understand this detection and limit further disease spread. The two farms are under quarantine and have employed strict biosecurity measures. Veterinarians are working to treat sick cows.
Pasteurized milk products remain safe for consumers, and milk supply shortages are not expected.
WSDA urges livestock owners statewide to report any clinical signs of illness to their veterinarian, including:
- Changes in milk appearance (thicker, often yellowish to brown)
- Decreased milk production
- Decline in feed intake
- Fever
- Respiratory symptoms
- Changes in manure
- Steep drop in rumination and rumen motility
Most cattle affected by HPAI recover with supportive care with recovery typically taking about six weeks.
“We appreciate how difficult this is for our dairy families, farmworkers and veterinarians that are working hard to keep animals safe and healthy,” said Washington State Veterinarian Amber Itle, VMD, MS. “The most important thing you can do is implement enhanced biosecurity and report symptoms immediately if animals show signs of illness.”
HPAI can spread between dairy cattle through infected animals and contaminated milk, equipment, vehicles, clothing, footwear and other materials or people that move between farms. Wild birds can also carry HPAI, but they are not considered the primary source of spread of the virus between dairy herds.
Protecting your herd
Follow your biosecurity plan or write one with your veterinarian to incorporate enhanced biosecurity measures:
- Limit lactating animal movement between farms unless necessary
- Do not share equipment, vehicles or workers
- Clean and disinfect footwear before entering livestock areas
- Limit visitors and require clean clothing and footwear
- Isolate new animals for 30 days before introducing them to your herd
- Separate sick or suspect cattle from healthy cattle when possible
- Practice good milking hygiene and keep milk from sick or suspect cattle out of the bulk tank
- Restrict access to open water used by wild waterfowl
- Employ wildlife, wild bird, rodent and vector control
- Minimize contact with wild birds and other animals, particularly around cattle, feed, water and equipment
Pasteurization inactivates viruses and bacteria in milk, including HPAI virus, helping ensure the safety of the dairy supply. Infected cows can shed the virus in their milk, making raw milk and other raw dairy products unsafe for consumption. Avoid raw dairy product consumption, and do not allow your pets to consume raw milk or other dairy products, or raw foods such as raw meat.
Human health and safety
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) currently consider the risk to the public from avian influenza to be low. However, people who work with or have recreational contact with infected birds, cattle or other potentially infected domestic or wild animals are at higher risk and should take precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, eye protection and fluid-resistant coveralls or other outerwear.
Additional resources
Media note: WSDA will issue a news release for each new county with confirmed HPAI in cattle. Subsequent detections in previously announced counties will be posted online.Legal Disclaimer:
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