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A poultry farmer in a protective suit and gloves carefully holds a rooster, ensuring the health and safety of the livestock. A stethoscope checks the breathing of poultry.

What to know about bird flu

There have been 66 confirmed human cases in the U.S. since early 2024

PRESS RELEASE
January 29, 2024

Bird (avian) flu is an influenza virus known as H5N1. As of January 6, 2025, there have been 66 confirmed human cases in the United States since early 2024 (67 since 2022). On January 5, the first person in the United States died from the illness after contracting the virus from infected chickens and wild birds in a backyard flock.

The risk of contracting bird flu is low and serious illness is rare. However, public health officials across the globe are paying close attention as the virus has expanded and is now across much of the world. Bird flu has also jumped into other species, such as dairy cows in Colorado.

There is currently no evidence of sustained human-to-human virus transmission. However, cases are on the rise. To combat the spread, health departments are working with agricultural producers testing birds, cows, and farmworkers. The federal government is also investing in preparedness efforts including research on therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reports the number of human cases and provides updates on its avian flu webpage.
Human and pet food safety with bird flu

Eating uncooked or undercooked poultry or beef or drinking unpasteurized (raw) milk can make you sick.

  • To kill bacteria and viruses, cook poultry, eggs, and beef to the appropriate internal temperature.
  • Pasteurization kills bacteria and viruses, like avian influenza A viruses in milk. Always choose pasteurized milk and products made with it to avoid risk of illness.
  • Don’t feed your pets raw chicken or beef.

Precautions for backyard poultry:

  • Try to limit contact with wild birds, such as ducks, geese, and other types of waterbirds.
  • Keep pets, particularly cats away from wild birds as some cats have become infected with avian influenza and died.
  • Wash your hands after handling poultry, their food, collecting eggs, or working with items in their environment.
  • Contact your veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness in your poultry.
  • Don’t put poultry near your face.
  • Keep poultry and equipment outside.
  • Wear dedicated shoes that stay outside of the house.
  • Eggs with dirt and debris can be cleaned carefully with a fine brush or cloth. Don’t wash warm, fresh eggs because colder water can pull bacteria into the egg. Refrigerate eggs after collection to maintain freshness and slow bacterial growth.

Garfield County Public Health information is provided online on the public health web page.