USDA's Dr. Steven Just leads response to Utah's livestock incident

In a critical update during the Utah County Commission meeting, Dr. Steven Just from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) addressed the ongoing avian influenza outbreak affecting the state. Dr. Just, who is serving as the incident commander, reported that the situation has escalated since March, with 24 premises in Utah impacted, including 17 commercial flocks.

Dr. Just highlighted that nationwide, 542 flocks across 42 states have been affected, underscoring the widespread nature of the outbreak. He noted that his team, consisting of approximately 40 responders from various states, is currently stationed in Provo to coordinate the response efforts. The USDA is working closely with state officials, including the state veterinarian and animal health officials, to manage the situation effectively.

The incident command post is being established in Provo, which is strategically located to facilitate operations between the infected premises and the veterinary diagnostic lab in Logan, as well as the State Veterinarian's Office in Salt Lake City. Dr. Just emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and communication as they navigate this challenging situation.

As the outbreak continues, the USDA is committed to providing support and resources to mitigate the impact on Utah's poultry industry. The community is encouraged to stay informed and engaged as efforts to control the outbreak progress.