Bird Flu Cases Identified Among Colorado Poultry Workers

Five cases of bird flu have been identified among workers culling poultry at a farm in northeast Colorado, according to the state department of health. The commercial egg operation has been impacted by H5N1 outbreaks, which have also affected wild birds and dairy cows in several states.

On Friday, three of the five human cases were announced and confirmed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A fourth case has also been confirmed, and a fifth is presumed positive based on state testing. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment stated on Sunday that no additional test results are pending.

The workers, who were involved in the direct handling of infected birds, exhibited mild symptoms including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and respiratory problems. Fortunately, none of the affected individuals required hospitalization. The ongoing investigation is being supported by a team from the CDC, deployed at the state’s request.

The CDC stated on Friday that the risk to the general public remains low, emphasizing that there are no signs of unexpected increases in flu activity in Colorado or other states affected by H5 bird flu outbreaks in cows and poultry.

Previously, four people in the US had tested positive for bird flu in connection with the ongoing outbreak: one in Colorado, one in Texas, and two in Michigan. All were workers at dairy operations. Colorado’s agriculture industry has been significantly impacted by bird flu, prompting Governor Jared Polis to declare a disaster emergency on July 5 to ensure state support and resources for farms in Weld County.

Despite the outbreak, poultry products are still safe to eat if properly handled and cooked, according to the Colorado health department. The CDC advises the public to avoid close or prolonged exposure to sick or dead animals, animal waste, or bedding. Experts also recommend against consuming unpasteurized or raw milk due to the potential for contamination.

Bird Flu Spreads to Cattle in Another State

Until the Colorado cases were announced, recent human H5N1 cases in the US had been linked to dairy cattle. On Friday, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry announced that a dairy cattle herd in the state had tested positive for H5N1 bird flu, raising the number of states reporting impacted herds to 13. The positive sample was collected in April, and the herd has since fully recovered. The delay in reporting the results by state or federal authorities remains unclear.

Since the first cattle infections were reported in late March, 157 herds across 13 states have tested positive for H5N1. Four states—Texas, Colorado, Michigan, and Idaho—have reported more than 20 affected herds, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

Public Health Response and Prevention Measures

The identification of bird flu cases among poultry workers highlights the need for stringent biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus among both animals and humans. The CDC and state health departments are closely monitoring the situation and working to contain the outbreak.

Public health authorities recommend that individuals working with poultry and other livestock adhere to protective measures such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), practicing good hygiene, and promptly reporting any symptoms of illness.

Future Outlook

The recurrence of bird flu in both poultry and cattle underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and research to understand the transmission dynamics of the virus. Enhanced monitoring and rapid response strategies are crucial to mitigating the impact of such outbreaks on public health and the agricultural industry.

Efforts to develop and deploy effective vaccines for both animals and humans continue to be a priority. Collaborative initiatives between government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector are essential to advancing these goals.

The recent cases in Colorado and the spread to cattle in additional states serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness in addressing zoonotic diseases that have the potential to affect both animal and human health.