By james art 
A herd of bird flu -infected chickens in the fabric valley led to the first human case of Wyoming of Bird Flu, according to Wyoming’s health department.
The woman whose name has not been released is the third confirmed hospitalization associated with the H5N1 influenza H5N1 strain in the United States. It is hospitalized in another country.
Its age was not given, but D -R Alex Harris, a state health officer and a state epidemiologist from the Ministry of Health of Wyoming Diseases.
It was exposed to the virus through direct contact with an infected poultry flock in its home, the result of a test that was confirmed by the laboratory of the Center for Disease and Prevention.
“Although this is a significant development, since the activity of bird flu is observed in Wyoming and throughout the country, this is not something that we think requires a high level of concern among most Wyoming residents,” Harris said, pointing to -The biggest part of the almost 70 years of the nation almost 70 cases were people who directly dealt with poultry.
“Experts continue to monitor the spread of H5N1 through wild birds, poultry and milk bovine throughout the country,” Harris added. “A small number of people are infected. Most of the confirmed cases included close contact in the workplace with poultry or cattle and mild symptoms. Unfortunately, the experience of this patient was more serious. “
The risk is low
So far, there have been no cases of H5N1 transmission in man to man to the United States. There was one death, Louisiana reported in January.
Harris said that her staff followed people who had contact either the home flock or the woman who became ill and would continue to work with both state and national experts to monitor the situation in Wyoming.
While public risk is low so far, Harris has recommended an abundance of caution that the public to take several precautions, while avoiding direct contact with wild birds or poultry that seem sick or dead.
Sick birds or a veterinarian or livestock board from Wyoming on 307-777-8270 should be reported.
A sick or dead wild birds of the Game and Fish Division in Wyoming on 307-745-5865 can be reported Reported online.
If contact with sick birds is required, wear personal protective equipment.
Harris also recommended against direct exposure to cattle or materials that are potentially infected or confirmed to be infected with bird flu. This includes raw milk or products made with raw milk.
The collapse of birds is widespread
The influenza has been widespread in wild bird populations for some time, both in the United States and around the world.
Wyoming ‘confirmed the influenza of birds in eight wild birds in 2022, but has since found it in many other wild species, including mountain lion clubs, snow geese, foxes, large horned owls and bald eagles.
Most recently, bird flu has been confirmed in some milk cattle in the state. Throughout the country, exposure to infected dairy herds is the leading reason for the cases of human influenza human influenza, according to the most relevant CDC data. Forty -one of 68 cases so far have been returned to milk cattle, while 23 are related to poultry farms and weaning operations.
Wyoming’s new case was not reflected in this data.
The influenza is especially deadly for chickens and turkeys. Therefore, it is the current practice to destroy the infected herds in order to prevent more distribution.
The total losses of poultry from 2022 a total of over 136 million birds, with 13 million chickens so far, the deadliest fires in the history of the influenza for birds so far.
The situation has led to the spread of egg prices that There are many restaurants When it comes to breakfast. Some grocery stores also limit customers to no more than two cardboard eggs for shopping.
Meanwhile, poultry meat has not been affected. Meat birds are killed on younger chickens than chickens laying eggs and do not take that long to produce.
Egg prices are expected to drop soon. In fact, the latest USDA forecasts show that egg prices continue to increase by another 20.3% in 2025 as it will take time for egg producers to recover and raise hens to the right reproductive age.
Renee Jean can be reached renee@cowboystatealy.com.