Colorado dairy farm worker contracts case of bird flu

A man who works at a dairy farm in northeast Colorado is the first person in the state to contract bird flu.

This is the fourth human case of bird flu in the country, all of which are connected to a multi-state outbreak of the virus in dairy cattle, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Colorado man had mild symptoms, only reporting pink eye, according to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. After testing positive for bird flu, he was treated in accordance with CDC guidance and has since recovered.

The man is an employee at a dairy farm in northeast Colorado and had direct exposure to dairy cattle infected with bird flu, according to the state health department. To protect the man’s privacy, the state is not releasing any additional information that could identify him, including the name of the farm where he works.

Colorado is one of a dozen states involved in an ongoing bird flu outbreak in domesticated livestock, mostly involving dairy cows.

Three other human cases of bird flu connected to this outbreak have been reported: one in Texas and two in Michigan, according to the CDC. All human cases involve dairy farm workers who have had known exposures to cows that have also tested positive for the virus.

Despite the ongoing outbreak, the risk to most people for contracting bird flu remains low, state epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy said in a news release.

“Avian flu viruses are currently spreading among animals, but they are not adapted to spread from person to person,” Herlihy said. “Right now, the most important thing to know is that people who have regular exposure to infected animals are at increased risk of infection and should take precautions when they have contact with sick animals.”

It is safe to drink pasteurized milk and eat properly handled and cooked dairy, beef and poultry throughout the United States, according to the state health department. An updated study released earlier this week by the Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture reinforced that it remains safe to drink commercial milk products.

People who are in direct contact with infected animals are at the highest risk for contracting bird flu. If you work with dairy cows that may have bird flu and you start to feel sick, you can call the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at 303-692-2700 (or 303-370 9395 after normal business hours) to arrange a bird flu test and medication if needed.

The state health department recommends people not touch sick or dead animals, but if you have to, it is recommended you wear protective equipment, including an N95 respirator, eye protection and gloves. After handling a sick or dead animal, wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub if soap is not available.