Alabama health and agriculture officials to ensure farm worker access to PPE to reduce avian flu risk
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising states to make sure personal protection equipment, PPE, is available to dairy and poultry farm workers and slaughterhouse employees.
The CDC said while the immediate risk is low, states need to take steps now to protect workers who are at risk for possible avian flu infection. Health officials say the virus that traveled from poultry to dairy cattle to a few humans — is unprecedented.
TikTok sues to block potential US ban
Alabama agriculture and public health officials point out there have been no reported avian flu cases in Alabama. But they are in regular contact with farmers and other stakeholders. Dr. Tony Frazier, the Alabama State Veterinarian, said the avian flu virus has not spread even to states that border Alabama, but they are monitoring migratory birds and are also in regular contact with health and agriculture officials from other states.
“I’m confident the meat supply is safe, the milk supply is safe — pasteurization is doing its job –the virus is just not making its way through the normal stopgaps,” Frazier told News 19.
The Alabama Department of Public Health issued a news release Tuesday evening regarding the CDC’s PPE call.
“The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is partnering with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (Ag&I) to update plans to ensure that dairy farm workers and other dairy-related supply processors will have access to the recommended personal protective equipment in the event of a confirmed case of avian influenza in cows in Alabama. This is a continuation of our partnership with Ag&I during past avian influenza-related outbreaks in poultry to reduce the risk of human infection.
“At this time, the risk to the general public is very low. There have been no cases of human avian influenza in Alabama, and no known cases in dairy cattle have been identified. ADPH will continue to monitor and respond to promote and protect the health of the citizens of our state. Additional information and links on avian influenza in dairy cattle is available on our website at www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/avian-flu.html.”ADPH
The few reported cases of humans infected in Texas showed flu-like symptoms but no serious illness.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
