Three cases of Avian Influenza ‘bird flu’ confirmed in El Paso County
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Since February, the Colorado Department of Agriculture has reported cases of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, more commonly known as bird flu, in four Colorado counties including El Paso County.
Wednesday, El Paso County confirmed three new cases of bird flu in Mallard ducks, and on Tuesday, two cases in a Mallard duck and Grenn-winged duck.
On Mar. 31 Denver County counted three cases, all in Mallard Ducks. Morgan County reported one case on Apr. 1 in a Snow goose and six cases in Sedgwick County in Snow and Ross's geese.
According to the Department of Agriculture, it's critical to report sick birds or unusual bird deaths. They recommend the following health guidelines:
- Sick birds or birds that have died from unknown causes:
- Call the Avian Health Hotline at Colorado State University (CSU): (970)297-4008
- Dead birds:
- Submit to the CSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Fort Collins for free HPAI Testing: (970)297-4008 or (970)297-1281
- Multiple sick birds or multiple unusual bird deaths:
- Call the Colorado State Veterinarian’s Office (303)869-9130 or the USDA-Veterinary Services Colorado Office (303)231-5385
- Wild Birds
- If you find three or more dead wild birds in a specific area within a two-week period OR if you see live birds showing clinical signs of disease, please contact your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office.
For flock owners, the department recommends:
- Increase biosecurity
- Monitor flocks
- Report disease
- Secure food supply
Visit USDA's Defend the Flock Program for more information on keeping birds safe.
For more information on bird flu in Colorado, click here.
Below is a map of the current reported HPAI cases in Colorado.
