Matt Solberg
Employer Engagement Coordinator / National Center for Farmworker Health
Matt Solberg, B.Sc., works to connect agricultural employers and labor contractors in the U.S. wi...

While uncertainty still surrounds how humans can get the H5N1 bird flu virus from cattle, dairy producers, supervisors and workers continue their vital agricultural production on the frontline of these unfolding events.

As of June 4, three U.S. dairy farm workers have tested positive for H5N1, with many more dairy farmworkers being monitored for possible exposure and disease. The best actions dairy producers can take for their operations and for their workforce are:

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  • Hold safety meetings with employees to talk about:
    • Symptoms of H5N1 in cows, which include:
      • Decreased appetite
      • Reduced milk production
      • Abnormal color to milk
      • Be aware that some cows that have H5N1 may not show symptoms
    • Symptoms of H5N1 in humans, which include:
      • Red, swollen or watery eyes
      • Fever
      • Cough
      • Sore throat
      • Headaches or body aches
      • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
      • Difficulty breathing (call 911 immediately)
    • Good hand-washing practices
    • Avoiding any contact or consumption of raw milk
    • How and where workers can seek health care if they have any symptoms
  • Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and encourage its use (especially face shields and gloves), even if your cattle aren’t currently showing symptoms. Dairy producers can receive financial support from the USDA for PPE, or you can get PPE for free from your local health department. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently recommending dairy workers use:
    • N95 masks or respirators
    • Safety goggles and/or face shields
    • Gloves
    • Rubber boots or boot covers
    • Fluid-repellant aprons or coveralls
    • See this guide for guidance on proper usage and disposal of PPE.
  • Assess points of risk for workers on the farm and change procedures to reduce that risk, especially for tasks where it is difficult to use the recommended PPE.

A recent study from the University of Vermont Extension found that 75% of dairy workers had never received training related to zoonotic diseases, despite 50% saying they think it’s important. If interested in a training for employees, dairy producers can contact the National Center for Farmworker Health for support. Contact your state health department to inquire about receiving free PPE for your employees and to get any employees with symptoms such as red or watery eyes, cough, fever, joint pain or headaches tested for H5N1.