Need for More Testing of Bird Flu Among Farm Workers in the US

SOURCE www.theguardian.com
Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the CDC, wants more testing for bird flu among farm workers in the US but is cautious about damaging trust. The risk is low for the general public but elevated for agricultural workers in contact with animals. Only 44 people have been tested in 2024. Some states are testing dairy farm workers' blood for antibodies. Officials encourage the use of personal protective equipment and are monitoring the virus's spread among farms.

Key Points

  • Dr. Shah stresses the importance of building trust with farm workers while advocating for increased testing.
  • The risk of bird flu is higher for agricultural workers in close contact with animals.
  • Only 44 people have been tested for bird flu in 2024, indicating a potential gap in monitoring.
  • Some states are testing dairy farm workers' blood for antibodies against H5N1.
  • Officials are monitoring the spread of the virus among farms, including poultry operations.

Pros

  • Increased testing can help identify and contain the spread of bird flu among farm workers.
  • Encouraging the use of personal protective equipment can help protect workers from contracting the virus.

Cons

  • Pushing for more testing may risk damaging the fragile trust between farm workers and owners.
  • The limited number of tests conducted in 2024 raises concerns about the adequacy of monitoring for bird flu.