Colorado Officials Confirm Presumptive Avian Flu Case

The flu is going around Colorado, and not just with humans. A rapidly spreading flu is affecting Northern Colorado livestock, according to the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Disaster Declaration Issued in Northern Colorado

Colorado's Lt. Governor, Dianna Primavera, has issued a verbal disaster declaration on Thursday, January 29, 2026, for an outbreak of avian influenza in Northern Colorado. This verbal disaster declaration of a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has been declared after a presumptive positive was discovered at an egg-laying facility in Weld County.

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Tests are being conducted on chickens that have died at the facility after elevated mortality reports at the location where more than one million chickens are being housed.

Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Birds

Birds that could be infected by the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus could show these symptoms:

• Sudden death with no clinical signs
• Lack of energy and appetite
• Decreased egg production, soft-shelled, or misshapen eggs
• Swelling of the head, comb, eyelid, wattles, or hocks
• Purple discoloration of wattles, combs, and legs
• Nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing
• Incoordination
• Diarrhea

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Colorado State University tested samples from the Weld County laying facility and gave presumptive positive results, which have been submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, according to KDVR. An official confirmation of the avian flu will come from the U.S Department of Agriculture on Monday, February 2, 2026.

What Residents Should Lookout For in Birds

Weld County officials are advising residents to report any sick birds or unusual bird deaths. If you come across a wild bird or poultry that appears sick or has died, avoid direct contact or proximity to it.