Bird flu detected in Colorado milk tank for first time since 2024

Colorado agriculture officials confirmed on Friday that the state has recorded its first case of bird flu in dairy cattle since 2024.

A routine test of a bulk milk tank in Weld County returned a presumptive positive result. The U.S. Department of Agriculture lab later verified the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza on Oct. 24.

The state did not name the specific facility in its news release. The farm is currently under a quarantine order. This directive restricts the movement of milk cows and enforces strict biosecurity protocols. The farm must pass two consecutive negative tests at least one week apart to end the quarantine.

Colorado Department of Agriculture officials stated that people at the highest risk are those with direct contact with infected animals. They noted that the risk to the general public remains low. Officials also confirmed that pasteurized milk remains safe because the process kills viruses.

State agriculture leaders are coordinating with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to protect dairy workers. This current case marks the first confirmed instance in the state since August 2024.

An outbreak in April 2024 affected 64 Colorado dairies. In response, state officials created the country's first mandatory bulk milk tank testing program for commercial dairies. State officials said that testing program cleared the virus from all affected herds.