Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) has issued a caution to the public following the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a wild goose in Louisville. The infected bird was located near a private residence's chicken run on Tuesday. As obtained by Boulder County, residents were urged to maintain a safe distance from wild birds and to follow health guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease to humans and pets.
HPAI is known to be prevalent among wild birds globally and can cross species to infect various wild and domesticated animals. While the risk to human beings is low, it's still crucial to avoid handling sick or dead birds. Cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F eliminates the food safety risk associated with HPAI, but residents should steer clear of raw or unpasteurized milk from infected animals. According to Boulder County, Lane Drager, the BCPH Consumer Protection Program Coordinator, urged residents to remain vigilant, "Although the risk to humans is very low, it’s important to stay cautious and informed."
Bird owners are specifically advised to implement biosecurity measures to shield their flocks from HPAI. Keeping flocks enclosed to reduce interaction with wild birds, securing feed and water sources from wild bird access, and monitoring flock health are among the recommended practices.
Symptoms of HPAI in birds include sudden death, decreased energy or appetite, and a variety of other signs such as swelling, nasal discharge, and issues with egg production. Locals are advised, if encountering sick or dead birds on public property, it is recommended to call local animal control. "It’s important to remind residents that while the virus remains in the environment, continue taking precautions to protect themselves and their pets by avoiding contact with wild birds," said Drager, as noted by Boulder County. When disposing of dead birds on private property wearing a mask and gloves, and thorough handwashing afterward is advised, especially when three or more dead birds are found, in which case animal control should be contacted.
