11 November 2026
The United Farm Workers (UFW) has warned that official figures on H5N1 avian influenza infections among dairy farm workers in the Yakima Valley significantly underestimate the true extent of the outbreak, largely due to fears of immigration enforcement and a lack of paid sick leave.
In an official statement, the UFW reported an ongoing avian influenza outbreak affecting dairy cattle in Washington State, particularly in the Yakima Valley. According to the union, multiple dairy workers have contracted the virus, and at least one death has been linked to the outbreak. Based on discussions between union representatives and farm workers, the UFW believes that official case counts substantially underestimate the actual number of infections.
Worker testimonies collected by the union indicate that many individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with avian influenza are not being tested.
Without testing, reported infection numbers remain low, and milk production continues uninterrupted.
