Veterinarian emphasizes early detection and reporting of bird flu

Highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to pose a significant threat to the poultry industry. Since the outbreak began in 2022, the United States has recorded approximately 2,300 detections in domestic poultry, affecting 211 million birds, according to Dr. Eryn McGrath, DVM, assistant state veterinarian with the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division. McGrath spoke during a Colorado Egg Producers webinar and provided an update on the disease and outlined biosecurity measures poultry producers can use to reduce the risk of infection. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to people. The virus circulates in wild bird populations, which serve as reservoir species, and can spread to domestic poultry, wild and domestic mammals, dairy cattle and humans.

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