Farmworkers Face High Bird Flu Exposure as H5N1 Spreads, One Death Reported

Jun 12, 2024, 08:23 PM

Farmworkers are facing significant exposure to the bird flu virus, particularly H5N1, which has been detected in over 85 herds across 12 states in the U.S. and has sickened at least three farm workers. Despite the low risk to the general public, concerns are growing due to the virus's spread among dairy cattle and its potential to jump to humans. The outbreak, which began in February 2022, has led to the culling of nearly 100 million chickens and turkeys. The U.S. Agriculture Department is testing a vaccine developed by University of Pennsylvania researchers on calves to protect dairy workers. Michigan has taken an aggressive approach to H5N1 testing, which has not been widely adopted by other states. The World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that the risk to public health remains low, but emphasizes the importance of preparedness. Twenty-four companies are working on developing an avian flu vaccine for cattle, and the USDA is conducting preliminary research into a vaccine. Additionally, H9N2 infections are typically mild, one person has died from the virus, and it has been detected in Houston wastewater. There has also been a death in Mexico linked to the H5N2 strain.