Increased number of Colorado wild birds affected by Avian Flu (also in Lyons)

Message from Town of Lyons

Recently, residents of Lyons have reported the deaths of geese near the McConnell Ponds. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has confirmed that Lyons could be experiencing an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Town staff has notified Boulder County Health Department, Colorado Health Department and the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The State agencies are dealing with a severe outbreak impacting Weld, Morgan and Logan Counties in eastern Colorado.

Raptors and owls seem to be hit hard. CPW has told the Town that it will likely impact the following wildlife species: swans, gulls, geese, grebes, pelicans, raptors, vultures, cranes, and some species of ducks. Town Staff is monitoring the impacts near the ponds.

Message from Colorado Parks & Wildlife == cpw.state.co.us

Can humans be infected?
Although rare, some HPAI strains can infect people so it is
important to protect yourself. The main protection for the
general public is to avoid handling sick or dead birds and
keep your distance from wildlife.

See the CDC website for more information on protective actions for people.

What to do if you find sick or dead birds?
If you find three or more dead wild birds in a specific area
within a two week period OR if you see live birds showing
clinical signs of disease, please contact your local Colorado
Parks and Wildlife office. CPW will not be able to respond
to all calls and is focusing responses based on surveillance
and management priorities.

Hunter precautions:
• Do not handle or eat wildlife found sick or dead.
• Do not eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth while
cleaning or handling game.
• Wear rubber or latex gloves when handling and cleaning game.
• Wash hands thoroughly and disinfect knives,
equipment, and surfaces that come into contact with game.
• Keep wild bird carcasses away from domestic poultry
• Cook all game thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F

New HPAI Strain in 2021-2022
In the winter and spring of 2021-2022, an outbreak of HPAI
involving a new strain of H5N1 emerged in North America.
Unlike prior strains of HPAI in North America, this
particular strain is causing widespread mortality in some
species of wild birds, particularly in snow geese, raptors,
and vultures. This strain has also caused mortality in several
mammal species, especially in skunks and foxes.

Additional information on avian influenza can be found at the following:
• USDA APHIS:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai
• Centers for Disease Control:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm
• Colorado Department of Agriculture:
https://ag.colorado.gov/animals/reportable-diseases/avianinfluenza