USDA CONFIRMS HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN TWO DAIRY HERDS IN WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued the following press release:

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WASHINGTON, D.C., October 8, 2026-Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed via PCR (polymerase chain reaction) detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 clade 2.3.4.4b in two dairy cattle herds in Washington. APHIS will complete genetic sequencing and announce final results as soon as they are available. The affected herds were tested after exhibiting clinical signs consistent with avian influenza.Prior to this detection, the herds consistently t...