Avian flu spreads to backyard flocks in Larimer and Logan counties

By Nicole C. Brambila nico.brambila@denvergazette.com February 2, 2026 | updated 1 month ago

FILE PHOTO: The U.S. outbreak of avian influenza has mostly impacted turkey and egg operations, sending prices to all-time highs and contributing to soaring food inflation.

The new cases follow last week’s disaster declaration tied to a commercial outbreak in Weld County.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture confirmed three additional cases of the highly pathogenic avian flu in backyard flocks in Larimer and Logan counties, in addition to the one in Weld County that prompted the governor’s office to declare a disaster last week.

“The confirmation of these new HPAI cases is a reminder that the virus is actively circulating in our state,” Dr. Maggie Baldwin, Colorado State Veterinarian, said in a statement.

“We urge all flock owners to remain highly vigilant, monitor their birds closely for any signs of illness, and, most critically, to immediately reinforce and practice strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.”

All the breakout locations are under quarantine orders, state officials said. Control areas have been set up in Weld and Logan counties.

Friday’s disaster declaration was made after officials announced the disease was detected in a commercial egg layer operation in Weld County, despite no known infections among workers.

The declaration allows state agencies to coordinate for mitigation of disease spread and recovery efforts, officials have said.

“Our top priorities are supporting the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), helping the farm producer screen their workers daily for illness, and testing any farm workers who present with symptoms,” Kristin Richmann, a spokesperson for the state health department, said in an email.

As yet, there are no suspected or confirmed cases of H5N1 avian influenza in people.

The governor’s office did not respond to an email seeking comment as of this story’s publication.

As of Jan. 30, 52 premises in 18 counties have had outbreaks, according to the Department of Agriculture. More than 11 million commercial chickens have been infected, state data shows.

The last human infections were two years ago when 10 cases in Weld County were identified in two poultry farms and a dairy farm.

Officials at the time had said there was no evidence of person-to-person transmission. State epidemiologists suspected the exposure was tied to working directly with infected poultry.

State health workers distributed antiviral medication to more than 150 workers who were potentially exposed at a commercial egg facility in Weld County.

H5N1 — colloquially known as “bird flu” or “avian flu” — is widely found in wild birds, which cause outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows.

Risk depends on exposure, specifically to infected animals.

Coloradans should avoid touching sick or dead animals.

Individuals who must handle sick or dead animals should wear personal protective equipment — which includes an N95 respirator, eye protection and gloves — and should wash their hands with soap and water afterward handling.

More than 100 million birds nationwide — including in Colorado — have been affected by avian flu since 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

H5N1 bird flu has a fatality rate of up to 90% in chickens, often within 48 hours, according to the CDC.

Tags Avian Flu Health Local News

Nicole C. Brambila nico.brambila@denvergazette.com

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