Three human cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in association with two poultry farms in Northeast Colorado/Weld County. Avian influenza H5N1 has also been found in dairy cattle, raccoons, and cats, raising concerns about potential spread to humans.
The first farm reported three human cases among its workers. All three individuals have mild illness and have been offered the antiviral drug, oseltamivir, for treatment. The second farm reported an additional seven human cases among its employees. The CDC launched a data table to track human bird flu cases in Colorado, updated biweekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture provides weekly updates on avian flu in poultry and dairy cattle. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk to the general public remains low as there has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission, and all positive human cases have come from direct contact with infected animals.
The Health Security Agency (HSA) of the United Kingdom updated its risk assessment for H5N1 avian influenza B3.13 genotype in US dairy cattle from three to four on a six-tier scale, noting that it is making the notch up based on moderate confidence.
The CDC recommends that anyone interacting with poultry, fowl or livestock takes precautions, including wearing recommended personal protective equipment and washing your hands after contact with birds or animals. Observing livestock and poultry for signs of the illness is also important.
