Uptick in avian flu cases in the Denver metro area

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Metropolis officers in Englewood are the most recent to warn residents to keep away from lifeless birds as they’re seeing an uptick in suspicious chicken deaths which have been linked to an outbreak of avian flu.

Simply final week, Denver officers despatched out an analogous warning about lifeless birds present in metropolis parks.

In keeping with america Division of Agriculture (USDA), there have been 162 reported circumstances of avian flu in Colorado up to now. Almost half of these are geese.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says earlier avian flu strains have brought about minimal illness in wild birds. Nonetheless, this pressure has unfold to a number of several types of birds and has been lethal when unfold to sure mammals. It’s unusual for the illness to be transmitted to people.

Uptick in avian flu circumstances within the Denver metro space

Individuals ought to keep away from touching any lifeless birds they see and ensure youngsters and pets keep away as effectively.

Along with being vigilant, CPW urges you to contact your native workplace instantly if you happen to occur to note three or extra lifeless birds in a single space inside just a few weeks.

For those who discover a lifeless chicken by yourself non-public property, you’ll want to put on gloves, a masks and eye safety. Double bag the chicken and throw it away in your municipal trash earlier than completely washing your fingers.

Englewood metropolis officers are asking anybody who would possibly discover a suspected case of avian flu to report it by leaving a message at 303-762-2335 or by emailing CodeEnforcement@englewoodco.gov.