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Safeguard your farm: Protect you and your livestock from HPAI

Safeguard your farm: Protect you and your livestock from HPAI

UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, avian influenza, or H5N1, is a severe and highly contagious disease caused by the avian influenza virus A (H5N1).

This virus is frequently spread with wild birds such as ducks and geese during their migrations. When HPAI infects domestic poultry, including chickens and turkeys, it is highly contagious and deadly, often wiping out entire flocks in just a few days.

Traditionally, HPAI primarily affects birds and some mammals. However, for the first time in U.S. history, there have been detections of Influenza A (H5N1) infections in livestock, including dairy cows.

Since March 2024, 46 human cases of influenza A (H5) have been confirmed, involving four dairy workers and seven poultry workers after exposure to infected animals. In June and July 2024, avian influenza was confirmed in dairy herds in Minnesota and Iowa among several other states in the U.S.

The overall risk to the public remains low. However, individuals who handle or care for infected animals, such as poultry or cattle, could be at an increased risk of getting sick.

This ongoing situation emphasizes the importance of biosecurity on the farm and ongoing monitoring to control the spread of H5N1 HPAI and protect both animal and human health.

HPAI TOOLKIT

UMASH has prepared a toolkit to help poultry farmers enhance prevention with biosecurity protocols, identify the signs and symptoms of HPAI in birds, and stay connected to additional resources from USDA – APHIS and state departments of agriculture.

HUMAN INFECTION

Avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses, including A (H5N1), do not usually infect humans. However, there have been some rare cases of human infection with these viruses mainly through unprotected, direct physical contact or close exposure with sick or dead birds, and infected animals (including, recently, infected dairy cattle livestock).

According to CDC’s interim recommendations, people should:

  • Avoid unprotected exposures to sick or dead animals including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals (including cattle), as well as with animal carcasses, raw milk, feces, litter, or materials contaminated by birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected HPAI A(H5N1)-virus infection.
  • Refrain from preparing or eating uncooked or undercooked food or products, such as unpasteurized (raw) milk, or products made from raw milk such as cheeses, from animals with confirmed or suspected HPAI A(H5N1)-virus infection (avian influenza or bird flu).
“At this time, there continues to be no concern about the safety and availability of pasteurized milk products nationwide. Pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk and is required for any milk entering interstate commerce.” – FDA
MCN RESOURCE

Avian Flu and Your SafetyAvian Flu and Your Safety: Guidance for Dairy Workers

This resource from Migrant Clinicians Network provides helpful tips for protecting workers, as well as the signs and symptoms of avian flu infection. Available in English and Spanish.

UNMC CS-CASH RESOURCE

Avian Flu Guidance for Dairy Workers

This resource from UNMC Center for Agricultural Safety and Health provides tips for protecting dairy workers, and signs and symptoms of infection.

Guía de Influenza A (H5N1) para Trabajadores de Granjas Lecheras y Avícolas

Influenza A (H5N1) Guidance for Dairy Workers

This video from the Minnesota Department of Health provides guidance for dairy workers, including an overview of avian influenza, steps to protect yourself and prevent spread, and what to do if you suspect infection. The video is provided in Spanish. English subtitles are available.

Personal protection equipment recommendations for dairy workers during an H5N1 outbreak

These videos available in English and Spanish from Michigan State University Extension shares recommended personal protection equipment (PPE) that dairy workers should use to mitigate the risk of infection while working on herds positive for the H5N1 virus.

Personal protection equipment recommendations for dairy workers during an H5N1 outbreak

Educators Martin J Mangual and Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa showcase the recommended personal protection equipment (PPE) that dairy workers should use to mitigate the risk of infection while working on herds positive for the H5N1 virus.

Protección personal contra la gripe aviar para trabajadores de lecherías

La educadora Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa de la Universidad Estatal de Michigan discute el equipo y prácticas recomendadas para reducir el riesgo de infección del virus H5N1.

Prevent the Spread

The situation of HPAI infection risk in livestock like goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle is rapidly evolving, but there are steps you can take to prevent the spread.

  • Keep poultry away from livestock
  • Use separate water sources and feed stuffs for livestock and poultry
  • Keep livestock away from ponds and wild waterfowl
  • Monitor livestock for symptoms and report illnesses quickly

 

 

Help protect your livestock from avian influenza. Infographic Source: University of Minnesota Extension.

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

Learn more from Dr. Jeff Bender

Explore further insights on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) through published articles and interviews featuring UMASH Director and University of Minnesota School of Public Health Professor, Jeff Bender, DVM, as he answers key questions about H5N1 among wild birds, poultry and dairy.