By Jamie Martin
Colorado has declared a disaster emergency following a significant bird flu outbreak in Weld County, impacting nearly 1.8 million chickens.
This action marks the state's largest outbreak since 2022 and prompts severe measures to manage the situation. The state veterinarian has issued a quarantine order to restrict the movement of birds, aiming to prevent further spread.
The disaster declaration allows the mobilization of state resources to assist affected farms in containing the outbreak. This outbreak is part of a larger pattern of avian influenza incidents that have affected various species across the state, including two human infections since 2022.
However, state health officials have reassured the public that the risk remains low, as the virus has not shown signs of human-to-human transmission.
The impact on Colorado's agriculture is significant, as Weld County is a major hub for both poultry and dairy production. The state, which ranks 13th nationally in milk production, has also seen bird flu cases in dairy cows, with 27 herds affected so far.
Authorities emphasize the importance of safety measures for those in direct contact with livestock. As the situation develops, state officials are committed to updating and providing support to the agricultural community and the public to navigate this challenging period.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski
Categories: National