The spread of bird flu among poultry and dairy farms has heightened concerns among health experts regarding the potential risks associated with the culling and disposal of infected birds. Recent incidents, including farms dumping carcasses in landfills and using methods that place workers in close contact with the virus, have raised alarms about the possible further spread of the disease.

In Colorado, extreme heat during the asphyxiation of chickens by carbon dioxide contributed to a cluster of five bird flu cases among workers, the largest in the U.S., according to the CDC. The situation underscores the need for stringent use of protective equipment during the culling process, as emphasized by Nirav Shah, CDC Principal Deputy Director.

Dr. Michael Osterholm from the University of Minnesota highlighted the risk of workers inhaling the virus during the culling process, which has resulted in mild symptoms like pink eye and respiratory issues. The Colorado Department of Agriculture noted that the method of killing birds is a joint decision involving state, farmers, and the USDA.

Bird flu has affected nearly every U.S. state in the past 2.5 years, with nine cases among poultry and dairy workers reported since March, including those in Colorado. While the risk to the general public remains low, further spread among livestock could increase the likelihood of human infections.

Since February 2022, approximately 95 million poultry have been culled and disposed of, with nearly as many chickens disposed of in 2024 as in all of 2023. Workers exposed to infected poultry, such as those using mobile gas chamber carts, have had varying degrees of exposure, with 69 out of 150 showing symptoms.

Most culled birds are composted or buried, though a small number are disposed of in landfills. Despite no direct cases linked to carcass disposal, the USDA and state officials emphasize that on-site composting is the safest method. The disposal of nearly 2 million chickens by Michigan egg producer Herbruck's Poultry Ranch in private landfills has raised concerns but has not been directly linked to further infections.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.