The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food has confirmed bird flu cases in eight commercial dairy facilities in Cache County, Utah this week. On October 23 mandatory surveillance for bird flu was implemented.

Based on the samples, the virus was confirmed by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories. The Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (UDAF) reported that the positive dairies have been quarantined.

No movement of lactating cattle is permitted except for cattle going directly to slaughter. Biosecurity measures have also been put in place to prevent the spread of the virus from dairy products. UDAF is working with dairy producers and federal, state and local partners to activate response plans, surveillance and testing.

Last week the USDA confirmed an additional nine bird flu outbreaks on California dairy farms. That brings that state’s total to 202 cases and the national total to 412. California and Colorado have the largest numbers of infected herds. Both have mandated bulk milk tank testing to monitor bird flu spread.

Read more about the bird flu spreading to Utah dairy herds here.