Cases Of Bird Flu Among Dairy Workers Going Undetected, Says CDC

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that bird flu infections among dairy workers in the US are more common than previously thought, with some cases going undetected. Testing of 115 workers in Michigan and Colorado showed that 7% had antibodies indicating recent infection with the H5N1 strain of avian flu, with most working closely with infected cows. Despite half of those infected showing no symptoms, the potential for undetected worker infections on dairy farms where hundreds of herds have been infected is concerning.

The report also highlighted the lack of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) being worn by dairy workers, with only a small percentage using recommended safety goggles and respirator masks. Workers in the milking parlour were found to be at highest risk for infection, as milk from infected cows carries a high viral load. The transmission of bird flu between mammals raises concerns among public health experts about the virus potentially becoming more dangerous to people.