A new guide to protecting your employees during the H5N1 bird flu outbreak
The ongoing H5N1 bird flu outbreak continues to pose challenges for business leaders in the agricultural sector.
The virus has infected over 700 herds across the country, including 70% of all dairy herds in California. And outbreaks on commercial and backyard poultry farms are decimating entire flocks.
While human infections remain relatively rare, with fewer than 70 reported cases nationwide, news of the first reported U.S. bird flu death last week has raised concerns about H5N1’s threat to poultry and dairy workers.
To help employers protect their workers, their businesses, and their communities, our partners at the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) have developed a new guide to understanding H5N1 bird flu, recognizing its symptoms, and ensuring a safe working environment.
Download your free copy of "What to know and do about H5N1 Bird Flu," and read on to learn more about the disease and its health risks.
H5N1 bird flu, a viral disease that primarily infects poultry (e.g., chickens, turkeys, ducks) and other wild birds, resulting in the deaths of millions of birds across the United States. Additionally, the virus has also infected dairy cows, cats, and other mammals, including humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H5N1 bird flu outbreaks in poultry have occurred in all 50 states.
H5N1 is considered an animal health issue at this time, but the virus can spread to humans through prolonged contact with infected animals or their contaminated environments. In humans, the disease can cause symptoms similar to seasonal flu, as well as atypical symptoms like eye infections. Severity ranges widely, from mild or no symptoms to severe illness and death.
There is currently no publicly available vaccine, but the process of developing vaccines is underway, and several FDA-approved antiviral drugs used for seasonal flu are available for bird flu treatment.
Agricultural producers can help prevent transmission by ensuring employees properly use PPE, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, and avoid touching their skin with gloved hands.
Even with preventive measures, H5N1 bird flu infections can still occur. To help identify an H5N1 infection, watch for symptoms similar to the seasonal flu.
Currently, H5N1 tests can only be accessed at public health laboratories. If an employee is experiencing symptoms, encourage them to see their medical provider as soon as possible and notify the local or state public health department.
Employees who have had contact with an infected coworker should monitor for symptoms. Infected employees can return to work once they test negative for H5N1 bird flu.
"What to know and do about H5N1 Bird Flu" can help you understand the disease, protect your team, and stop the virus’s spread. The guide was developed by the Public Health Communications Collaborative, an information hub for professionals who communicate about public health. The guide is designed to help business leaders make informed decisions about the health and safety of their workforce, covering topics including:
Download PHCC’s guide to understanding H5N1 Bird Flu here.
The recent human fatality serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks posed by H5N1. By equipping teams with knowledge, resources, and protective measures, employers can help prevent further infections and safeguard the health of their teams and communities.
[Editor's Note: This article was originally published on June 10, 2024. It was updated on Jan. 15, 2025 with more recent information about bird flu's spread, as well as news about the first reported human death associated with the virus.]
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