'Be prepared,' CDC tells state leaders after bird flu found in Texas

“We will work to formalize plans and expand as needed with other areas such as emergency preparedness, GPHL (Georgia Public Health Laboratory), nursing and communications, as appropriate,” she said in an email.

Officials say the virus has not mutated to the extent that it could spread easily between people, but experts worry about the potential for viral evolution.

The CDC said workers with close and prolonged contact with infected animals are at the greatest risk of infection. For those workers, CDC recommends additional precautions outlined in CDC’s “Recommendations for Farmers; Poultry, Backyard Bird Flock, and Livestock Owners; and Worker Protection.”

The vast majority of people infected with bird flu have gotten it directly from birds, but scientists are on guard for any changes that could raise the risk for people. There have been some reports of person-to-person spread within a family in Southeast Asia after one family member caught the virus from poultry.

Federal health and USDA officials released a statement last week emphasizing that there “continues to be no concern” about the safety of the commercial milk supply because milk products are pasteurized before entering the market, adding that agencies continue to monitor the situation. Pasteurization is required for any milk entering interstate commerce for human consumption.

What’s the latest?

— A Texas dairy worker tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, or bird flu, becoming only the second case in the U.S. of a human contracting the virus since 2022.

— This is the first time this virus has been found in cows and appears to be the first instance of cow-to-human transmission of bird flu. There is no sign of person-to-person spread of this virus at this time.

— Existing flu antiviral medications such as Tamiflu are effective against the virus.

— The CDC recommends personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn when farm workers or hobbyists are in direct or close contact (within about six feet) of sick or dead animals including poultry, wild birds, backyard bird flocks, or other animals, animal feces, litter, or materials potentially contaminated with HPAI viruses.

— This is an emerging and rapidly evolving situation that CDC is following closely. At this time, CDC believes that the overall risk to the general public posed by this virus remains low.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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