Three Colorado poultry workers presumed to have bird flu, officials say
Three workers at a poultry farm in northeast Colorado have been identified as presumed positive cases of avian influenza. The outbreak, affecting birds and dairy cattle across multiple states, continues to spread. These workers are believed to have contracted the virus through direct contact with infected birds at a commercial egg operation. They experienced mild symptoms such as conjunctivitis and respiratory problems, but fortunately, none required hospitalization. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the outbreak further. Despite these cases, the risk to the general public remains low, and properly handled and cooked poultry products are still safe to consume. It is advised to avoid close contact with sick animals, animal waste, or unpasteurized/raw milk to reduce the risk of contamination.