Disaster Declaration Issued for Weld County Avian Flu Outbreak
A disaster declaration has been issued for Weld County, Colorado, following a severe outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This declaration, made by Governor Jared Polis, aims to mobilize state resources to manage the outbreak, which has resulted in significant impacts on local poultry farms.
Impact and Response
The outbreak in Weld County led to the depopulation of nearly 2 million poultry to prevent further spread of the virus. The Colorado State Veterinarian’s office, along with other state partners, is actively involved in monitoring and controlling the situation to mitigate the impact on the agriculture sector.
Biosecurity Measures
Given the scale of the outbreak, emphasis has been placed on stringent biosecurity measures. These include the use of site-specific clothing, implementation of shower-in/shower-out facilities, and ensuring that trucks are thoroughly washed to prevent the spread of the virus. The Colorado Department of Agriculture is working closely with poultry producers to enhance these biosecurity protocols and ensure rapid response to any new cases.
CDC Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to provide guidance and support in monitoring and managing the outbreak. Recommendations include:
- Avoiding contact with sick or dead birds.
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling potentially infected animals.
- Ensuring the consumption of pasteurized dairy products to eliminate the risk of infection from contaminated sources.
The CDC also monitors flu surveillance data and conducts testing to track any unusual influenza activity in humans. Thus far, there are no indicators of widespread human infections from the HPAI virus, and the public health risk remains low.
The disaster declaration for Weld County underscores the seriousness of the HPAI outbreak and the need for robust biosecurity measures. Continued vigilance and cooperation between state agencies, producers, and the CDC are essential in managing and mitigating the effects of this outbreak.
