Colorado Bird Flu Outbreak: How It Affects You

Rising temperatures complicate protective measures

Health officials have noted that record-breaking heat played a significant role in the recent infections. Last week, five workers fell ill while culling a large flock of chickens at a commercial egg-laying farm in Colorado, where temperatures soared above 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

“At the time transmission is thought to have occurred, Colorado was experiencing extreme heat, likely making conditions inside the barns even more challenging,” said Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The sweltering environment made it difficult for workers to effectively use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and goggles.

Large industrial fans were employed to cool the barns and spread dust and feathers, which can carry the H5N1 virus. This made it hard for workers to maintain a good seal with their protective masks and eye gear, increasing their risk of exposure.

The scope of the outbreak

The CDC has confirmed four out of five cases, while one is still pending confirmation. This incident has doubled the number of farm workers infected with H5N1 in the United States. The virus has been spreading nationwide among dairy herds and poultry flocks, with nearly 160 dairy herds infected in 13 states. Colorado has been hit particularly hard, with outbreaks in 37 dairy herds.

The culling operation at the affected farm involves about 160 workers and is expected to continue for another 10 to 14 days. So far, around 55 symptomatic poultry workers have been tested, with only the five confirmed cases testing positive for bird flu.

Public Health Implications

Despite these infections, health officials maintain that the risk to the general public remains low. Human infections are rare and have been linked to direct contact with infected birds or animals. The CDC has not identified any changes in the virus that would increase its severity or ease person-to-person transmission.

However, the outbreak has highlighted the need for better protective measures for farm workers. The United Farm Workers labor union has called for the CDC to rethink its PPE guidelines, particularly in extreme heat conditions. Elizabeth Strater, director of strategic campaigns for the union, emphasized the need for practical and safe working conditions.

“These workers are facing tough conditions, asked to protect themselves from a virus under extreme heat,” Strater said. She suggested that vaccinating farmworkers, as some countries are doing, could provide protection.

How This Affects You

Is eating eggs, chicken, and other meats and milk made in areas with H5N1 animal outbreaks safe?

Consuming meat products and eggs from areas with H5N1 outbreaks is generally safe, provided they are adequately prepared. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises following these guidelines:

• Keep clean: Maintain hygiene when handling food
• Separate raw and cooked foods: This prevents cross-contamination
• Cook thoroughly: Ensure that all parts of the food reach a safe internal temperature
• Keep food at safe temperatures: Store food properly to avoid bacterial growth
• Use safe water and raw materials: Ensure the water and ingredients are safe

Consuming raw or incompletely cooked meat and eggs from affected areas is high-risk and should be avoided. Animals that are sick or have died unexpectedly should not be consumed.

Is drinking milk and other dairy products made in areas where animals are infected with H5N1 viruses safe?

H5N1 has been detected in raw milk from infected dairy cows. However, pasteurization appears to inactivate the virus, making pasteurized milk safe for consumption. The WHO strongly advises against consuming raw milk to reduce exposure to pathogens. If pasteurized milk is unavailable, heating raw milk until it boils can also make it safer. Dairy products made from safe milk and following strict hygiene standards should be safe to consume.

Moving Forward

In response to the outbreak, federal and state officials are working to refine PPE recommendations and improve safety measures for farm workers. The CDC has dispatched a team to assist with the investigation and contact tracing, and plans are in place to manufacture 4.8 million doses of the H5N1 vaccine to be ready by the end of the month. Additionally, the US Department of Health and Human Services has funded Moderna with $176 million to develop an mRNA-based vaccine against H5N1, with phase 1 clinical trial results expected by the end of the year.

While the situation remains under control, it serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by zoonotic diseases and the importance of safeguarding human and animal health. Staying informed and following recommended safety practices can help protect you and your loved ones.