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In response to the possibility of infection with H5N1, also known as bird flu, San Mateo County Health is participating in a statewide program to provide personal protective equipment to poultry and dairy farm workers.
Cases of H5N1 have been detected among birds in the Bay Area and in other animals, including dairy cows, nationwide.
While there have been three recent human cases reported nationwide among workers in close contact with dairy cows, there are no known cases of H5N1 in humans or livestock in California to date.
According to health authorities, the current risk to the general public is low, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The CDC recommends that dairy farm workers and others who handle raw milk, as well as slaughterhouse and poultry farm workers, have personal protective equipment, including an N95 mask or other approved respirator, gloves, goggles, and a face shield available if needed.
County Health is providing, upon request, a one-time supply of PPE to farms, businesses and organizations that employ or provide services to dairy farm workers, raw milk handlers, and slaughterhouse and poultry workers, the county said in a statement.
According to CalOSHA (California Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations, the use of PPE is voluntary when there are no confirmed occupational exposures to H5N1, but respirators must be provided and worn when employees work closely with animals or products known or suspected to be infected with H5N1, including animal excrements and other materials that have been in contact with the animal.
Poultry and dairy farm operators, as well as community organizations that serve poultry and dairy farm workers, can request a 30-day supply of PPE for at-risk workers by emailing the County Health Department at HS_MHOAC@smcgov.org.
The deadline to place an order is July 9, 2024. The PPE ordering program is available only to commercial operators and farmworker support organizations and not to individuals.
Personal protective equipment is intended for immediate use and to allow time for facilities to obtain and distribute their own supplies. Materials cannot be returned to CDPH or County Health.
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