Avian influenza (bird flu) in the USA: Colorado
15 Aug 2024
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reports an continuing outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu) in the state. From May 2024 to 13 August 2024 there have been 10 cases. Farm workers are particularly at risk as there is a bird flu outbreak in livestock (poultry and farm animals) in Colorado.
Advice for Travellers
Bird flu is caused by an influenza (flu) virus that spreads among birds. Rarely, the virus can spread to people through close contact with infected birds or other animals, or their infected poo.
If you are travellling to a country where bird flu has caused humans or other animals to become infected, you should be aware of the potential risk of infection.
In particular, you should avoid contact with:
- live chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, quail or any wild birds
- any livestock (particularly cows and pigs)
- surfaces that may be contaminated with poultry/bird/livestock droppings (poo)
- commercial poultry farms, backyard poultry farms, live poultry markets, other farms or agricultural shows
- sick or dead poultry, birds or other animals
The bird flu virus is killed by thorough cooking of bird meat and eggs. You should avoid:
- eating raw or undercooked bird meat or food containing bird blood
- bringing birds or their meat / eggs, back into the UK
Care should be taken if you are handling raw or undercooked bird products. You should:
- maintain strict hand hygiene; particularly when preparing food, and before meals
- practise good respiratory hygiene measures and avoid close contact with people, birds or other animals that appear unwell
- seek medical advice if you develop respiratory/flu-like symptoms during or after returning from countries where avian influenza has been reported
See the fitfortravel Avian Influenza page for further information.