New Avian Flu Strain Hits Nevada: What You Need to Know
A new avian flu variant discovered in Nevada dairy cattle marks the first U.S. detection. Here’s what Nevadans need to know.
A concerning development in the ongoing battle against avian influenza has emerged in Nevada, where a new variant of the virus has been detected in dairy cattle for the first time in the United States. The discovery in Churchill County represents a significant evolution in the spread of this highly contagious disease, which has already caused widespread disruption in the poultry industry.
“It’s a significant finding,” stated Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director J.J. Goicoechea. “These viruses continue to mutate.”
Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the new variant and its impact
According to The Nevada Independent, The newly identified D1.1 variant, detected last month, represents a genetic shift from the original B313 strain that has been circulating since March. This development comes amid growing concerns about the virus’s ability to cross species barriers, with seven confirmed cases now reported in Nevada—one in Nye County and six in Churchill County.
The outbreak has led to quarantines at all seven affected locations, with the Nye County dairy infected with the original strain while Churchill County farms harbor the new variant. Goicoechea told The Nevada Independent that while they successfully contained the B313 strain to southern Nevada, the new variant’s arrival was unavoidable: “We can’t control wild bird migration … [the new strain] literally fell out of the sky.”
Public health implications and safety measures
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain that human risk remains low, Nevada has reported one case—a Churchill County resident who developed mild illness from the virus. This comes after the first U.S. human death from the virus was reported last month.
The dairy industry has faced relatively minor effects, and Goicoechea assures that pasteurized dairy products remain safe for consumption. “Pasteurization works. Our dairy supply is safe,” he told The Nevada Independent, though he cautioned against consuming unpasteurized dairy products, which could potentially harbor the virus.
The role of European starlings and control efforts
European starlings have been identified as potential vectors for the virus, with these non-native birds frequently visiting dairy farms where they contaminate cattle feed. The USDA has identified starlings as the country’s most economically damaging bird species, causing losses exceeding $1 billion. Nevada plans to implement a starling elimination program using an avicide this week.
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