Box Elder County Declares Local Emergency Due to Bird Flu

BRIGHAM CITY — Officials in Box Elder County have declared a local state of emergency after a sample from a dairy farm in the area returned positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.

On Thursday, the Box Elder County commissioners approved an emergency order following the report of the positive sample on June 25. This has initiated quarantine measures and a mandatory monitoring period that may extend up to 90 days, impacting about half of the county’s dairy cows and farms, which has led to “severe milk production loss,” according to officials.

The emergency declaration enables the county to collaborate with state and federal agencies to address the situation and assist local farmers and ranchers, as the financial repercussions are anticipated to exceed the county’s existing resources.

This order also aims to enhance monitoring efforts, provide personal protective equipment, and implement biosecurity measures on the affected farms, while ensuring more financial assistance is accessible.

Tyler Vincent, the chair of the commission, emphasized that the order is meant to streamline resources and disseminate accurate information to impacted farmers—many of whom have significantly contributed to the agricultural landscape that shapes the county’s identity.

“Producers in Box Elder County are some of the most dedicated individuals we have,” he noted. “We’re resolute in our commitment to assist them during this challenging period, ensuring they receive the support and information they need.”

Highly pathogenic avian influenza, often referred to as bird flu, has posed challenges for Utah and nationwide since a significant outbreak began in 2022.

Although there have been limited cases impacting human health, the virus has led to the deaths of millions of commercial and wild birds over the past four years, contributing to increased egg prices during that time. It is also capable of affecting some mammals, including dairy cattle.

The means by which cattle contracted the virus recently remains uncertain; however, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported last month that a bald eagle in Box Elder County tested positive for the virus, following a positive test for a tundra swan in March.

Most of the positive cases recorded this year have been in nearby Davis, Duchesne, and Weber counties, indicating a potential spread among the wild bird population around northern Utah, which could have come into contact with other animals.

Officials from Box Elder County note that bird flu transmission among dairy cattle often occurs through shared vehicles and equipment, milk handling, and general farm operations that involve moving cattle. Death rates are generally low, under 2%, but around 10% of affected cows may not fully recover and produce milk as before.

Dairy cattle have faced similar threats in Utah previously, with eight dairy cattle testing positive for the virus in Cache County in 2024.