California Dairies Still Struggling with Bird Flu – Why Isn’t it Going Away?

CDFA’s most recent data show that of the roughly 770 California dairies that have been infected with Avian Influenza. Some 630, more than 80%, have been released from quarantine. Of the approximately 140 infected herds remaining, most are making steady progress towards quarantine release.

For a small number of producers, however, the pathway back to normal has remained prolonged and frustrating. CDFA estimates some 10 to 15 herds have experienced unusually long quarantines, in one case over 10 months. These farms might achieve one or two negative weekly bulk tank tests, only to have a weak positive again, resetting the quarantine release clock. There are reports from dairies in other states experiencing similar problems.

Just as frustrating for several California producers is to have been actually released from quarantine only to have a positive bulk tank some weeks or months later. These cases have been reported as typically involving a limited number of clinical cows, most often springing heifers.

Click here to continue reading

californiadairymagazine.com

6/20/25