How a poultry farmer is keeping bird flu from spreading
FRANKTOWN, Colo. — When bird flu broke out in 2022, driving egg prices to a then-record high, poultry farmer Mike Deeth was stressed.
Not because his hens were sick, but because he was receiving multiple calls a day from people looking to buy eggs.
“It was terrible,” Deeth said. “I couldn't supply enough eggs for everybody to have.”
The current bird flu (officially highly pathogenic avian influenza) outbreak affecting both commercial and backyard flocks began in the U.S. in early 2022 and has spread widely since.
Average egg prices for a dozen eggs more than doubled between January 2022 and December 2022, reaching $4.25, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In some Colorado grocery stores, a dozen eggs reached $5 to $7.
Store shelves were often bare or sparsely stocked due to supply disruptions from the deadliest ongoing bird flu outbreak in U.S. history, which has affected more than 100 million domestic birds. Average egg prices hit a record high in March 2025 at $6.23 a dozen.
Although egg prices have dropped in 2026, the virus is still widespread. Colorado is reporting more bird flu cases earlier this year than it did at this same point last year, according to the Colorado Department of Agriculture
Deeth, who has operated 5D Farms for five years and keeps dozens of hens, has not experienced sick hens at his farm, which he credits to strict cleanliness and careful management practices.
“Healthy chickens are very important. We keep our coops clean every day and give them fresh food and clean water daily,” Deeth said.
In commercial poultry operations, bird flu spreads through direct contact with infected birds and contaminated equipment, feed, water or clothing. Wild birds are often the main source, sometimes carrying the virus without obvious symptoms and spreading the disease. Once inside a facility, bird flu can move rapidly through airborne particles.
Deeth’s two dozen chickens — which he keeps in two different coops so the breeds don’t fight — eat hamburgers, grains, fruits and vegetables. All their food is contained and sealed inside of a bin so it is not left open in the coops for mice or other pests that can contaminate it.
The hens are fenced in and can roam but not far enough to encounter local hawks, owls or other birds in the area, Deeth said. Any interaction with wild birds is a risk, he added, as they can carry bird flu and spread it to new areas during migration.
“Part of my morning routine, which starts at 6 a.m., is I make sure that the chicken poop is cleaned up in their coops to keep the illnesses at bay,” he said.
And he only ever enters their area wearing black boots reserved exclusively for that space to keep from contamination. After feeding the hens twice daily — once in the morning and again at 3 p.m. — he brings them into the coop around 7 p.m. to sleep, stay warm and remain protected.
He sells organic eggs that his hens lay for $5 a dozen on a first come, first serve basis, whether that’s someone making a phone call or driving up to his farm.
At the beginning of 2026, Colorado detected bird flu in one commercial facility in Weld County, affecting 1.33 million commercial egg-laying chickens, along with additional cases in backyard flocks in Larimer and Logan counties.
“Comparatively, we only had six total detections in 2025, so this year is starting off with more detections than 2025,” said Olga Robak, spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “We have not had any spillover into humans since the summer of 2024.”
To date, Colorado has confirmed 10 human cases of bird flu, all in agricultural workers, and has reported zero deaths. In people, bird flu usually causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and sometimes eye irritation. Treatment typically includes antiviral medication and rest.
The state encourages flock owners to increase biosecurity measures by practicing steps such as limiting visitors, washing hands, changing clothes and footwear, and cleaning and disinfecting equipment.
“To have them get sick … that would be terrible,” Deeth said. “I know that bird flu can always be a problem. I think you help it be a lesser problem if you were to control your environment as best you can.”
Learn more about how to keep your birds safe on the Colorado Department of Agriculture website.
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