CDC asks state health departments to aid in fight against avian influenza

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is asking state and other jurisdictional health departments to make personal protective equipment available to dairy farm, poultry farm and slaughterhouse workers in the wake of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

This would consist of a one-time distribution of PPE from existing stockpiles. The effort would help people who work with animals reduce their risk of infection with HPAI.

The strain is currently causing an outbreak among dairy cattle. One dairy worker in Texas was also diagnosed.

As of May 16, there were no confirmed cases on cattle farms in Indiana or Illinois. The states affected so far are: Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas.

The current risk to the public from these viruses is low, according to the CDC. However, people who have job-related exposures to infected animals, including lactating dairy cattle, may be at increased risk of infection.

For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/bdhhdbvh.