CDC’s Ongoing Response to the H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak
The CDC continues to respond to the H5N1 bird flu outbreak, affecting dairy cows and other animals across multiple U.S. states. The outbreak has resulted in four human cases among dairy workers.
Key Actions
- Protecting Farm Workers: Outreach efforts include digital campaigns in English and Spanish to educate farm workers on preventive measures.
- Monitoring Exposed Individuals: Over 1,390 individuals have been monitored, with 60 tested for flu-like symptoms.
- Surveillance: Enhanced summer surveillance to detect unusual flu activity continues.
Recommendations
- Avoid contact with sick animals.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Consume pasteurized milk.
I know, because I’ve worked in poultry, how avian flu affects not only farms but whole communities. But bird flu can jump to humans under some conditions, and the CDC’s response to the H5N1 outbreak of bird flu is critical. WHO says the human H5N1 mortality rate stands at about 60 percent, so preventing the spread is vital. Do any of you that work in animal health care want to share insights on how to manage outbreaks?