The CDC has stated that the risk of avian influenza remains low to the public. In efforts to prevent the spread of bird flu, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised state health officials to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to farm workers. This recommendation follows a meeting between CDC Principal Deputy Director Nirav Shah and health officials. The CDC specifically asked for PPE to be distributed to workers on dairy farms, poultry farms, and in slaughterhouses.
According to the CDC’s readout, Mr. Shah has recommended that states prioritize the distribution of PPE to workers on farms where dairy herds have been confirmed to be infected with bird flu. While the CDC assesses a low immediate risk of avian influenza to the public, safeguarding livestock workers remains crucial as they may be at higher risk of infection. The FDA has reported a bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows affecting over two dozen herds in eight states, but reassured that the risk to the public is low.
The strain of bird flu has been found in dairy herds across eight U.S. states, including Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and South Dakota. The virus, Type A H5N1, has been detected in cattle for the first time, with federal health and animal agencies monitoring the situation closely.
Human infections with the H5N1 virus are primarily linked to exposures to infected poultry, with limited human-to-human transmission reported since 2007. Close contact with infected birds or animals increases the risk of infection, with transmission occurring through contact with contaminated environments or inhalation of the virus.
Recent cases of avian influenza in humans have been linked to contact with sick cattle, prompting states like Texas and Michigan to take preventive measures. Michigan has issued an emergency order restricting the exhibition of dairy cattle and poultry until the situation is under control. Additional biosecurity measures have been implemented on farms to prevent the spread of bird flu.
Overall, while the CDC assesses the risk to the public as low, proactive measures are being taken to protect farm workers and prevent the spread of avian influenza. Please rewrite it with different words.
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