The U.S. Department of Agriculture has recently confirmed the fourth human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a dairy farm worker in Colorado. The case was reported after the farm worker, who was working on a farm in the northeast region of the state, experienced pink eye. The individual has since recovered and was being monitored by public health officials.
Dr. Rachel Herlihy, an epidemiologist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, emphasized that the risk to most people remains low as avian flu viruses are not adapted to spread from person to person. However, individuals with regular exposure to infected animals should take precautions.
The outbreak of H5N1, or bird flu, has affected 139 dairy herds in a dozen states, including Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. The other three human cases reported this year were in Michigan and Texas, with two cases presenting pink eye and one experiencing mild respiratory symptoms.
The poultry industry has also been impacted by bird flu, with over 97 million poultry testing positive for H5N1. Response and recovery in poultry flocks involve culling the affected animals, while dairy cows generally recover from the virus. In response to the outbreak, a voluntary pilot program for dairy farmers was initiated to facilitate testing of bulk milk tanks.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced funding for Moderna to develop a vaccine against the virus. Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and provide guidance to prevent further spread of avian influenza among animals and humans.