Outbreak of H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus in US Dairy Cattle: Risk to Dairy Farm Workers & Human Transmission Possibility.
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus was detected in US domestic dairy cattle, leading to at least 3 human infections.
- Unpasteurized milk from infected cows contained high levels of infectious influenza virus, posing a risk to dairy workers during the milking process.
- The milking process involves several steps that require human input, potentially exposing workers to infectious milk aerosols and splatter.
- Studies found that H5N1 virus remains infectious on milking unit surfaces, highlighting the risk of virus transmission to dairy workers.
- Recommendations include using personal protective equipment for workers during milking and sanitizing equipment to reduce virus spread among animals on dairy farms.
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Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention