Colorado Man First In U.S. To Test Positive For Bird Flu

May 06, 2022

A Colorado man who was culling poultry with suspected bird flu has tested positive for the disease. It’s the first-known human case in the nation, but officials say the risk to the public is low.

Health officials detected H5N1 influenza – known as avian flu – in the nose of a 40-year-old man who was culling the chickens in Montrose County as part of a prison pre-release work program.

When they tested him a second time, though, he was negative for the virus. Officials say a piece of the virus may have gotten in his nose from the chickens and was picked up by the first test, but he wasn't actually infected by it. The man is largely asymptomatic and on antiviral drugs.

Officials say human infections with avian flu are rare and there is a low risk of person-to-person spread. But they urge people to avoid birds that appear ill or are dead.

Poultry is safe to eat because cooking the meat to an internal temperature of 165° F kills bacteria and viruses, including H5N1.

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Video: Five Confirmed New World Screwworm Cases Raise Alarm for Livestock and Pet Owners

Pat Hoffmann, Swine Technical Consultant at Elanco Animal Health tells us about the impact of New World Screwworm. The emergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. creates a threat for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that has not been seen north of the Florida Keys since the fly was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae feed on living tissue and can affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and even humans.
“New World screwworm could have a devastating impact on animal health, welfare, and producer livelihoods,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We want to thank the FDA, EPA and USDA, for all their work to prepare for this threat. We’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging time by delivering innovation, scientific expertise, and available resources to help treat New World screwworm and support the health and well-being of animals.”
Elanco is working alongside the U.S. animal health industry to help them fight against this parasite, offering a portfolio of options for pets and livestock that can help treat New World screwworm larvae infestations.