Colorado Parks and Wildlife is warning of an expected increase in wild birds infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza as migrating bird populations travel through Colorado in late fall and winter. Residents are reminded to avoid sick wildlife.
HPAI transmissions are particularly common in waterfowl and shorebirds, as they are known to gather around bodies of water in large numbers. HPAI and low pathogenic avian influenza are naturally occurring in bird species. Birds infected with the disease may appear to move slowly, swim in circles, be unable to fly, have a lack of coordination, swollen head, head tilting, or be found deceased.
Sick or dead birds will be tested for the presence of HPAI when appropriate or when large die-offs occur in a new location. If they spot three or more birds that exhibit HPAI symptoms or are found dead in the same localized area, the public is encouraged to reach out to CPW.
The H5N1 strain of HPAI was identified in Colorado in March 2022, causing high mortality rates in wild and domestic birds with no known cure or treatment.
“This strain of HPAI has the potential to cause large-scale die-offs in wild bird populations as we progress into winter. However, more commonly in Colorado, we receive reports of small scale mortality events. Since the beginning of fall, CPW has confirmed the diagnosis of HPAI in fewer than 20 birds, one black bear and one bobcat, though this is likely an underestimation of the number of affected animals on the landscape.” – CPW State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Peach Van Wick.
The public is reminding to never handle sick or dead wild birds and to never approach wildlife. Waterfowl hunters are encouraged to wear proper protection while handling or processing wild game. Equipment should be disinfected thoroughly, wild carcasses should be kept away from domestic poultry and pets, and game should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
More information on HPAI and human transmission is available on the Center for Disease Control and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment websites.
