Weber County declares local emergency as avian influenza hits dairies, commissioners authorize access to state aid

Weber County commissioners on July 21 declared a local emergency after highly pathogenic avian influenza infected multiple dairy operations in the county, potentially opening state funding streams for affected farmers.

Brent Edwards, president of the Weber County Farm Bureau, told the commission that infections first emerged in Cache Valley about 2½ months ago and that Weber County’s first dairy went into quarantine three weeks ago. He said that four to five dairies in the western part of the county had been affected and estimated “roughly 6 to 10,000 pounds of milk loss per day” among the impacted herds. Edwards said the disease also raises concerns about increased abortion rates that would reduce future milk production capacity.

The proclamation was presented to allow affected operations to pursue state assistance programs, including the ARTO program administered by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, that can provide financial and technical support. Commissioners clarified that a local declaration does not itself pay farmers but enables eligibility for state-administered aid and other relief programs.

Commissioners approved the proclamation by voice vote. The motion carried with all present voting in favor. Staff said they would coordinate next steps to apply for available state resources and to communicate with affected producers about eligibility.

The declaration follows similar actions in neighboring jurisdictions; the commission’s resolution is intended to streamline access to state programs and to support containment and mitigation efforts while veterinary authorities continue quarantine and response measures.