A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in a Texas dairy herd, marking the first detection of the virus in Texas dairy cattle this year.

The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of the virus in diagnostic samples collected from the dairy.

According to TAHC, samples were submitted after cows exhibited clinical signs, including illness and a drop in milk production. The samples were initially tested by the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and later confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory on May 30.

State and federal animal health officials are conducting epidemiological investigations to determine the extent of the infection and evaluate potential disease spread.

The affected dairy was placed under quarantine as part of established response protocols.

Officials emphasized there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply.

TAHC encourages dairy farmers to remain vigilant and maintain strong biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Texas continues to participate in USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy, a nationwide surveillance effort designed to monitor the milk supply, identify infections and limit the spread of the virus. TAHC noted Texas previously demonstrated elimination of the virus from dairy herds and will continue comprehensive surveillance efforts.

TAHC recommends dairy and poultry producers closely monitor animals for signs of illness, prevent contact between livestock and wild birds, limit unnecessary visits to premises with susceptible animals and follow appropriate quarantine procedures for incoming livestock.

Dairy farmers who observe sudden increases in sick dairy cattle, sick birds or bird deaths should report them to TAHC or APHIS.

For more information and a map of confirmed cases, visit APHIS’s avian influenza webpage.