July 3, 2024 — The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Colorado Department of Agriculture, has identified a human case of avian influenza H5 infection associated with a multi-state outbreak of the virus in dairy cattle.

The adult male, an employee at a dairy farm in northeast Colorado who had direct exposure to infected dairy cattle, had mild symptoms, reporting only conjunctivitis (pink eye). He reported his symptoms to state health officials, who tested him for influenza at the State Public Health Laboratory. Specimens forwarded to CDC for additional testing were positive for avian flu. CDPHE gave the individual antiviral treatment with oseltamivir in accordance with CDC guidance. He has since recovered.

Nationally, there have been three other cases of avian flu in humans associated with the ongoing multi-state outbreak in dairy cattle that was first identified in the U.S. in March 2024; this is the fourth confirmed case. The Colorado Department of Agriculture has been coordinating with state and federal partners, including CDPHE and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to confirm and respond to cases. Avian flu is a reportable disease in Colorado and must be reported to the State Veterinarian’s Office. CDA has also adopted an Emergency Rule that requires mandatory testing of lactating dairy cattle moving interstate.

There is a clear and present need for devices that can detect this virus in livestock and humans.