Public Safety · Benton County
Bird Flu Detected in Benton County Dairy Herd
Washington state officials confirmed the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a dairy herd in Benton County on Monday. This discovery follows similar findings in neighboring Yakima County, where eight farms have reported infected cattle. The affected Benton County herd is under quarantine, and veterinarians are treating sick animals. State agriculture officials warn residents to avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products from cows, goats, or sheep due to potential viral shedding.