Avian Flu Threatens Human Health on Dairy Farms: Study Finds Contaminated Milking Equipment and Protective Measures Needed

In response to the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus in multiple American dairy farms, a team of researchers from the Vaccine Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh conducted an investigation to determine the risk of infection for workers on these farms. Led by Valerie Le Sage, the team found that workers are at risk not only from direct contact with unpasteurized milk produced by sick cows but also from contaminated surfaces during the milking process.

The study showed that both avian influenza A(H5N1) and human influenza A(H1N1) viruses remain infectious on milking equipment materials for several hours, highlighting the risk of transmission of the H5N1 virus to humans through contaminated surfaces during milking. The results also raised concerns about the potential for the H5N1 virus to adapt to humans and evolve within their bodies, potentially becoming transmissible from person to person.

To reduce the spread of the H5N1 virus from dairy cows to humans, the researchers recommended implementing personal protective equipment such as masks, visors, and other eye protection among workers during milking. Additionally, sanitizing rubber liners used in the milking process after milking each cow could help reduce the spread of the virus among animals and curb the current epidemic. The study was published in Emerging Infectious Disease journal by CDC.