Colorado layer operation struck by avian flu

The presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) commercial egg laying operation was detected in Weld County, Colorado. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) the case was confirmed on July 8. APHIS did not release information concerning the flock size, but Colorado Public Radio reported that there were 1.78 million chickens on the premises. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency related to the outbreak in an effort to ensure “that the state can provide the support and resources needed for Colorado’s essential agriculture industry,” a press release from Polis’ office stated. Read more