Human bird flu spreads in Colorado's farms

Jul 24, 2024

Rising human cases of bird flu in Colorado's farms

By Farms.com

The bird flu outbreak in Colorado has escalated with the confirmation of additional human cases by U.S. health authorities.

The outbreak originated at a poultry farm in Weld County, where workers faced exposure during efforts to contain the virus, leading to several human infections.

These latest developments increase the total human cases linked to this outbreak to six, with a seventh case under investigation. These individuals, involved in culling operations of 1.8 million birds, reported mild symptoms and have been treated with antivirals.

The spread has been exacerbated by extreme working conditions, including high temperatures that made protective gear less effective, according to health officials. This has raised concerns about farm safety practices and the potential for wider transmission among farm workers.

The state has intensified its response, increasing testing and monitoring, especially given the concentration of its dairy production in the affected area.

Although the risk to the public remains minimal, the situation underscores the challenges of managing such outbreaks in commercial agricultural settings.

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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.
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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.