USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu in Colorado

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock (poultry) in Pitkin County, Colorado last Saturday.

Samples were tested at the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, part of the National Animal Health Laboratories Network, and validated at APHIS National Animal Health Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

APHIS works closely with state animal health officials on a collaborative incident response. Government officials have isolated the affected premises, and poultry in the affected area will be culled to prevent the spread of the disease. Poultry from the infected population will not enter the food system, the authorities of the region said.