The state of Colorado is facing a concerning situation with the rise in human cases of bird flu. With seven reported cases this month alone, the total now stands at 11 cases. The latest development involves a second poultry farm in Colorado reporting a case of bird flu in a worker. This marks the seventh human case in the state amid an ongoing outbreak among dairy cows.
The recent uptick in human infections among poultry workers in Colorado is significant, considering that the H5N1 virus has been affecting poultry farms in the US since January 2022. Over 1,000 outbreaks have been reported across 48 states, impacting more than 100 million birds. Most cases were believed to originate from wild birds infecting poultry directly. However, the virus has now moved from wild birds to dairy cows and then to poultry, leading to an increase in human cases among poultry workers.
Genetic testing has not shown significant changes in the virus that could explain the recent surge in cases. There is still no evidence of human-to-human transmission, and the risk to the general public is assessed as low by the CDC. All identified human cases have been mild and responsive to flu antivirals. Federal officials have suggested that the extreme summer heat in Colorado may be contributing to the increase in cases among poultry workers.
The transition of the virus from dairy farms to poultry farms raises questions about how the spread is occurring. Colorado, with 46 infected herds out of the country’s total of 168, has been particularly hard hit by the outbreak. Weld County, in particular, has reported more than two dozen infected herds, making it a hotspot for the virus.
As health officials continue to monitor the situation and conduct confirmatory testing on presumptive positive cases, efforts to contain the spread of bird flu remain a top priority. Understanding the dynamics of transmission from dairy cows to poultry farms and implementing appropriate measures to protect workers and prevent further outbreaks are crucial in addressing this public health concern.
