CDC Asks States to Provide Livestock Workers With Protective Gear Amid Bird Flu Concerns

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday advised state health officials to make personal protective equipment (PPE) available for farm workers in efforts to stem the spread of bird flu.

“CDC asked that jurisdictions make PPE available to workers on dairy farms, poultry farms, and in slaughterhouses,” it stated following CDC Principal Deputy Director Nirav Shah’s meeting with health officials.

“Specifically, CDC asked state health departments to work with their state agriculture department counterparts and partners in communities, such as farmworker organizations, that can help coordinate and facilitate PPE distributions,” the agency added.

According to the CDC’s readout, Mr. Shah has recommended that states prioritize the distribution of PPE from their stockpile to workers on farms where dairy herds have been confirmed to be infected with bird flu.
Mr. Shah said that while CDC’s assessment indicates a low immediate risk of avian influenza to the public, safeguarding livestock workers remains important as they may be at higher risk of infection.

“CDC offers real-time support for state and local public health officials, as well as staff who are ready to deploy within 24 hours, if requested,” the agency stated.

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