Canadian Goose in Crowley County Tested Positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Description: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) became aware of a sick Canadian goose in Crowley County on 1/20/2023. After testing, CDPHE was recently notified that this Canadian goose tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.

Published: 02/05/2023

Byline: SECO News

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Canadian Goose in Crowley County Tested Positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

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Canadian Goose in Crowley County Tested Positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The situations, numbers, website links, data, and etc. described below were current as of Sunday 2/5/2023 at 3:05 pm

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1. Canadian Goose in Crowley County Tested Positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): I received the following information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) on Thursday, 2/2/2023: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) became aware of a sick Canadian goose in Crowley County on 1/20/2023. After testing, CDPHE was recently notified that this Canadian goose tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1. The current HPAI (H5N1) outbreak in the state of Colorado began in March of 2022 and has infected many bird species (predominantly domestic poultry, waterfowl, and raptors). Many of the surrounding counties have had HPAI+ wild bird cases. All birds in the state of Colorado are currently at risk for HPAI H5N1 infection. CDPHE is involved in the human monitoring aspect of the HPAI response. CDPHE has been in communication with the CPW officer that collected the goose and submitted it for testing. The CPW officer was wearing all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) upon collection. This goose was picked up at a private citizen's residence that caught the bird in their front yard. The private citizen has not developed any signs or symptoms of HPAI during the 13 days following exposure. Since this specimen was collected on 1/20/23, we are outside of the human monitoring period of 10 days recommended by the CDC and therefore no additional human monitoring is required.

Here are some key points:

ü You should avoid touching or moving any sick / dead birds unless necessary.

ü Report sick domestic birds to the State Vet: 303-869-9130.

ü If you have picked up and disposed of dead birds, CDPHE requests your contact information so that they can conduct an exposure risk assessment and health monitoring (if applicable).

ü If you develop associated signs or symptoms (Information for People Exposed to Birds Infected with Avian Influenza Viruses | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov)) following exposure to sick/dead birds, we ask that you contact OCHD, then we will contact CDPHE so that they can assist with testing and treatment (if necessary).

ü Crowley/Otero County public health contacts: Call the Otero County Health Department (OCHD) staff listed below to report exposure to sick birds, development of signs/symptoms following exposure to sick/dead birds, and/or for more information about HPAI. (Normal business hours of Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, excluding holidays)

o Marie Mora-Menges, Nursing Program Director

§ Email: don@ocphd.org

§ Office phone: 719-383-3041

o Tony Harviston, Environmental Services Program Assistant

§ Email: eha@oterogov.org

§ Office phone: 719-383-3087

ü For more information, please visit these websites:

o Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

§ Information for People Exposed to Birds Infected with Avian Influenza Viruses | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov)

§ Information on Bird Flu | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov)

o Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA): Avian Influenza | Department of Agriculture (colorado.gov)

o Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW): Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Avian Influenza (state.co.us)