Three individuals assisting with poultry culling at a farm in northeast Colorado have been identified as presumed positive cases of avian influenza. The state health department and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed these cases, which are part of a multistate outbreak affecting birds and dairy cattle.
The workers are believed to have contracted the virus through direct contact with infected birds at a commercial egg operation. Symptoms reported by the individuals included conjunctivitis (pink eye) and respiratory issues, but none of them required hospitalization, as stated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
In response to the situation, the CDC is dispatching a team to assist with the outbreak investigation. Additional samples from symptomatic workers have been collected for testing, with confirmatory testing to be conducted by the CDC.
Despite these cases, the CDC has assessed the risk to the general public as low. There have been no unusual spikes in flu activity in Colorado or other states affected by the H5 bird flu outbreaks in livestock.
Prior to these cases, four individuals in the US had tested positive for bird flu in connection with the ongoing outbreak, with cases reported in Colorado, Texas, and Michigan. The agriculture industry in Colorado, particularly in Weld County, has been significantly impacted by the bird flu outbreak, prompting Gov. Jared Polis to declare a disaster emergency on July 5 to provide support and resources to affected farms.
Assuring the safety of poultry products, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment emphasizes that properly handled and cooked poultry remains safe for consumption. The CDC advises the public to avoid close or prolonged contact with sick or deceased animals, animal waste, or bedding. Additionally, experts recommend against consuming unpasteurized or raw milk due to the risk of contamination.
