HPAI

New Backyard Avian Influenza Case Confirmed in Colorado

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed a new case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a backyard flock in Weld County, Colorado. The flock experienced a high mortality event, losing 20 of 24 chickens in the flock, after exposure to sick and dying wild geese on the premises. The remaining birds in the flock were euthanized.  

State Vet Issues Updated Poultry Show Guidance, Encourages Coloradans To Join Webinar on Avian Influenza

Because Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to present a threat to birds across Colorado, the Colorado State Veterinarian’s office has issued updated guidance for poultry events, such as swaps, meets, and competitions. The guidance asks poultry owners to increase safety precautions and biosecurity practices, monitor their flocks for illness, and report any sick or dead birds to the State Veterinarian’s Office. 

Avian Influenza Detections Again on the Rise Across Colorado and the Nation

The threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is still fully present across Colorado and the country. With multiple new detections in Colorado over the past week, the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office is continuing to promote biosecurity practices as the best method to prevent the introduction of the disease fatal to birds and poultry. 

Poultry Shows a No-Go At 2022 Colorado State Fair

Upon guidance from the Colorado State Veterinarian, the Colorado State Fair Board Authority has made the determination to cancel any poultry shows during the 2022 fair. This precautionary measure is being taken as highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to affect domestic poultry across the nation. The Board approved the cancellation during their regular Board meeting on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

USDA Confirms Detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial Operation In Montrose County

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) has confirmed the detection of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus in a commercial poultry operation in Montrose County. 

Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk; poultry and eggs are safe to eat when handled and cooked properly. No human cases of avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.