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Category Archives: Animal health

June is Dairy Month! From Cow to Cup: The Food Safety Journey of Your Glass of Milk

June 23, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

Whether you’re pouring it over cereal, stirring it into coffee, or enjoying a slice of California cheese, the journey your milk and dairy food took was carefully monitored from the farm all the way to your table. For CDFA’s Milk and Dairy Food Safety Branch (MDFS), that journey is a primary focus. Our mission to protect California consumers starts by …

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Update: New World Screwworm detected in Texas, New Mexico; California remains clear 

June 8, 2026   Jay Van Rein, CDFA Office of Public Affairs

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that the New World Screwworm – an invasive, destructive parasite – has been detected in Texas and New Mexico, marking the the pest’s first incursion into the United States since it was successfully eradicated in the 1960s.  Current Status for California  There are currently NO confirmed detections of New World Screwworm in California. The California Department …

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CDFA Supports Spay and Neuter Awareness Month 

February 13, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

February is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month! Whether you’re a proud pet parent or just a fan of four-legged friends, this is a great time of year to  focus on the wellbeing of these beloved animals.  This month, CDFA is highlighting the Pet Lovers Spay and Neuter Grant Program, which helps keep California’s pet population healthy and manageable.  How does the program work?  Funding for these grants doesn’t come from regular taxes. Instead, the program is powered …

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USDA to Host Free Biosecurity Webinars for Dairy and Poultry Producers

January 23, 2026   Office of Public Affairs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer two free webinars focused on biosecurity best practices to help prevent the introduction and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). These sessions are designed for: Each webinar will cover practical steps producers can take to strengthen biosecurity controls and protect animal health. USDA experts will also highlight free resources available to …

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New detections of West Nile Virus in California horses – prevention tips from CDFA

September 16, 2022   Office of Public Affairs

Eight California horses have tested positive for West Nile Virus in recent weeks, as far north as Tehama County and as far south as Kern County. Two of the horses are deceased, six were unvaccinated, and the vaccination status of the other two is unknown. Horse owners are encouraged to have their animals vaccinated to make sure they are maximizing protection against the …

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Video Update: Virulent Newcastle Disease Quarantine Lifted (English and Spanish)

June 1, 2020   Office of Public Affairs
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2019 in Review: Protecting Animal Health & Food Safety

January 3, 2020   Office of Public Affairs
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New detections of West Nile Virus in California horses

August 20, 2018   Office of Public Affairs

A dangerous disease, west Nile virus, has returned to California this summer.  Last week, four horses were diagnosed with the disease – two in Sacramento County and one each in Kern and Placer counties. Two of the horses have been euthanized due to the severity of neurologic signs, and the other two are alive and receiving veterinary care. Horse owners are …

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CDFA contributes to discussion about common sense as a key element in good biosecurity for horses – from Horsetalk.co.nz

August 17, 2017   Office of Public Affairs

Common sense is the first step to effective biosecurity for horses, according to a university professor who consults in the field. Professor Roberta Dwyer, with the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at the University of Kentucky, says horse owners must take personal responsibility for reducing risks of equine infectious disease outbreaks. “One rub rag used to polish several horses’ …

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Secretary Ross to be honored by California Climate and Agriculture Network for work on climate change

February 24, 2017   Office of Public Affairs

CDFA secretary Karen Ross will be honored by the California Climate and Agriculture Network (CalCAN) at its summit meeting scheduled for February 28 at UC Davis. Secretary Ross has been chosen for a Climate and Agriculture Leadership Award for her commitment to meet the challenges brought by climate change during her six years at the helm of CDFA, through her …

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