(Source-denver7.com_-scaled-1)
An avian flu and bird flu outbreak at a commercial egg facility in Colorado has led Governor Jared Polis to declare a disaster emergency on Tuesday, enabling the facility to receive state assistance. The outbreak has prompted significant concern, as officials have reported that 1.78 million chickens will need to be culled after samples submitted to Colorado State University tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Concentration of Livestock Operations
Dr. Kristy Pabilonia, who heads the lab at Colorado State University, explained the situation in an interview with ABC affiliate Denver 7. “We’re seeing more bird flu cases in northern Colorado due to the high concentration of livestock operations in this area. It’s affecting domestic poultry and cattle,” said Pabilonia. She emphasized the severity of the outbreak: “Whether it’s commercial poultry or backyard flocks, it’s devastating because of the high mortality rate. The typical response is to depopulate the birds because they are very sick and unlikely to survive the influenza.”
Quarantine Measures and Health Reports
The state veterinarian has requested local poultry farmers to submit health reports on their flocks. Additionally, a quarantine order has been issued in parts of Weld County, where the affected facility is located, to restrict bird shipments. Since the outbreak began in early 2022, more than 6 million birds have been affected by HPAI. Pabilonia also noted that cattle in the state have been impacted, raising concerns about the virus crossing from birds to mammals, which scientists fear could lead to a pandemic similar to COVID-19.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, bird flu has affected 145 dairy farms in 12 states, with Colorado leading the nation in reported HPAI outbreaks at dairy farms. Human cases of the virus are also emerging, with the fourth case reported last week in Colorado. This development underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential for wider impact.
Expert Warnings and Ongoing Vulnerability
Keith Poulson, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, emphasized the need for vigilance. “We really need to pay attention to this virus; we can’t let it continue to be endemic in our dairy herds,” Poulson told Salon earlier this week. Despite efforts to contain the virus, poultry farms remain highly vulnerable to HPAI as the crisis persists.
The avian and bird flu outbreak in Colorado has triggered a state of emergency, highlighting the critical need for effective containment measures and vigilant monitoring. With significant impacts on both poultry and cattle, and the potential for human cases, this situation demands coordinated efforts from state authorities, farmers, and health officials to prevent further spread and mitigate the risks associated with this highly pathogenic virus.
