COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE

​Avian influenza

In late December, park staff and volunteers noticed an increase in dead geese on the ice. One of the geese was collected and sampled for avian flu. On January 5, 2023, Highline Lake Rangers were notified of an injured Great Horned Owl in the campground that was shaking and unable to fly. Health lab test results from both birds confirmed that both were positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

This strain of HPAI was first confirmed in wild geese in Northeast Colorado in March of 2022. From March through November 2022, HPAI mortalities were documented in a number of raptors, waterfowl, and vultures in numerous locations throughout the state.

Although rare, some HPAI strains can infect people. The human health risks from this strain of HPAI is low according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CPW recommends that people avoid handling dead or sick birds or other animals. Precautionary measures such as personal protective equipment (PPE) are recommended for people who may have job-related or recreational exposures to birds that can put them at higher risk of infection.

To date, there are no reports of people becoming infected with this strain of avian influenza directly from wild birds. Hunters are advised to avoid harvesting birds that appear sick. Most birds that are sick with HPAI will be on the ground; however, in some cases, sick snow geese may be seen flying very low and alone. Below are some basic precautions that hunters should always take when handling and consuming wild game:

• Do not handle or eat wildlife found sick or dead.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or put anything in your mouth while cleaning or handling game.
• Wear rubber or latex gloves when handling and cleaning game.
• Wash hands thoroughly and disinfect knives, equipment, and surfaces that come into contact with game.
• Keep wild bird carcasses away from domestic poultry
• Cook all game thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F