Bird flu outbreak hits Colorado poultry workers

Three poultry workers in northeast Colorado have tested presumptively positive for H5N1, also known as avian influenza, while working at a commercial egg layer operation. The workers showed mild symptoms, including pink eye and common respiratory infections, but did not require hospitalization. Specimens have been sent to the CDC for confirmatory testing. This marks the fourth confirmed human case of bird flu in the U.S. since March, with previous cases reported in Michigan and Texas. The CDC stated that the workers were culling poultry at a facility experiencing an outbreak of the H5N1 virus, which has been circulating in wild birds and causing multistate outbreaks in dairy cows and poultry. While the risk to the public remains low, human infections with this novel influenza virus are concerning due to the potential for severe disease. Federal officials are considering deploying 4.8 million doses of bird flu vaccine, with Finland already offering shots to at-risk workers. Colorado public health officials are investigating the cases and have collected additional samples for testing. The CDC emphasized the importance of avoiding close contact with sick or dead animals, including wild birds and domesticated animals, to prevent the spread of bird flu. The state's agriculture industry has been impacted by bird flu outbreaks, prompting Governor Jared Polis to declare a disaster emergency to provide support for affected farms in Weld County. The outbreak of H5N1 bird flu has been spreading globally, infecting various species of animals and causing concern for its potential to spark a pandemic if the virus mutates to spread easily between humans. The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and urges the public to follow safety guidelines to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus. Poultry products remain safe to consume if handled and cooked properly, but unpasteurized or raw milk should be avoided due to contamination risks.