Milk May Be Tainted: The H5N1 Virus Threatens Dairy Farm Workers

The current H5N1 virus epidemic among dairy cows in multiple American states poses a serious risk to workers on these farms. A study conducted by the Vaccine Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh, led by Valerie Le Sage, has shown that both avian influenza A(H5N1) and human influenza A(H1N1) viruses can remain infectious on milking equipment materials for several hours. This highlights the risk of transmission of the H5N1 virus to humans through contaminated surfaces during milking.

The study also raises 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 recommend 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.