Avian flu wiped out more than $100 million in poultry production last year, fueling a steep decline in Stanislaus County's overall agriculture value, according to the county's 2024 crop report.

The virus left a major mark on local dairies after jumping from poultry into cattle for the first time. More than 110 of the county's 132 dairies, over 80 percent, were placed under quarantine. While cows didn't die from the illness, the impact on milk production was significant.

Agricultural Commissioner Linda Pinfold says poultry alone dropped from nearly $400 million in 2023 to just under $292 million in 2024. Milk, valued at $754.5 million, remained the county's second-highest commodity despite the setbacks.

"A major contributor of that was in relation to avian influenza," Pinfold said.

Almo

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