I’ve got a little story to tell you about a virus that’s ruffling the feathers of our friends in the poultry business. This pesky invader goes by the name of avian influenza, and it’s no stranger to causing a bit of a flap among our feathered friends. Now, before you start imagining a chickenpox party for birds, let me tell you that this virus is no laughing matter. It can cause some serious sickness and, in some cases, even death among poultry. And if that weren’t enough, it’s been known to jump from birds to humans on rare occasions. So, if you’re in the business of raising chickens or working around poultry, you’ll want to pay close attention to what I’m about to share.
Recently, the poultry industry has faced significant challenges due to outbreaks of avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu. Since early 2022, the impact of these outbreaks has been severe, with more than 49 million birds in 46 states either succumbing to the virus or being culled as a precautionary measure to prevent further spread of the disease. The scale of the outbreaks has been alarming, and the industry has had to adapt quickly to mitigate the damage and protect the health of both poultry and workers.
The economic and logistical repercussions of the outbreaks have been felt throughout the industry, leading to disruptions in supply chains, increased costs, and strain on resources. Poultry producers have had to implement stringent biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus within their facilities, while also managing the disposal of culled birds in a safe and responsible manner.
Now, let’s take a little stroll through the coop and get acquainted with some of the folks who might find themselves at risk when an avian influenza outbreak occurs. We’ve got the poultry growers and their hardworking employees, the service technicians of poultry processing companies, the caretakers and layer barn workers, and let’s not forget the chick movers at egg production facilities. And then there are the brave souls involved in disease control and eradication activities, including folks from state and federal agencies, contract workers, and company employees. Quite a flock of people, if you ask me.
So, what’s the game plan for protecting these fine folks when an outbreak occurs? Well, let me break it down for you. We’ll start with the basics of avian influenza and then move on to some measures for minimizing exposure to the virus. And for those of you who want to dig a little deeper, I’ll provide some handy links to websites with more detailed information. Just think of it as a crash course in biosecurity measures and personal protective equipment, all designed to complement the disease control and eradication strategies of state governments, industry, and the good old U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Alright, let’s talk turkey about avian influenza. It’s a disease caused by infection of poultry with type A influenza viruses. These pesky viruses are found all over the world, and just about every species of bird is thought to be susceptible to them. But here’s where things get interesting: there are two types of avian influenza viruses—low pathogenicity and high pathogenicity. The low-pathogenic strains are usually the mild-mannered ones, causing few or no signs in infected birds. But when they do cause trouble, you might see some respiratory problems, diarrhea, a drop in egg production, or an uptick in mortality. And sometimes, under the right conditions, these low-pathogenic strains (H5 and H7 subtypes) can mutate and become highly pathogenic. When that happens, watch out! It can lead to the deaths of entire flocks.
Now, highly pathogenic avian influenza is the bad boy of the bunch. It’s extremely contagious and a fatal form of the disease for poultry. But here’s the important part: this Safety and Health Information Bulletin I’m sharing with you is not a standard or regulation, and it doesn’t create any new legal obligations. It’s more like a friendly advisory, chock-full of information to help employers provide a safe and healthful workplace. See, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers have to comply with hazard-specific safety and health standards set by OSHA or a state with an OSHA-approved state plan. And that includes the General Duty Clause, which says employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. So, if there’s a recognized hazard and employers don’t take reasonable steps to prevent or abate it, they could find themselves in hot water.
Now, you might be wondering how often avian influenza A viruses infect humans. Well, since 1997, there have been instances of human infection, some of which have resulted in death (and I’m not just talking about the United States). The virus can be excreted in the droppings of infected birds and in their respiratory secretions. And how do humans get infected? It’s usually from contact with infected sick or dead poultry or their droppings, or even from touching contaminated surfaces like egg flats. So, if you’re handling a sick chicken or cleaning up after one, you’ll want to be extra careful. And the ways the virus can enter the human body are through the usual suspects—the mouth, nose, eyes, and lungs.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—what’s the risk of getting infected with low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses? Well, to be honest, the human health risk isn’t all that well established. But let’s not roll the dice here. It’s best to take protective measures if you’re likely to have prolonged direct or indirect exposure to any avian influenza virus, especially if you’re working in an enclosed setting like a poultry barn.
Measures for Protecting Poultry Workers
Follow Biosecurity Practices
So, what are these protective measures, you ask? Well, let’s start with biosecurity practices. Poultry workers should know and follow these practices like the back of their hand to prevent avian influenza and other diseases from crashing the poultry party. Understanding how infection can spread is crucial for both effective biosecurity and keeping workers safe and healthy. And for those poultry processing companies out there, make sure to provide a written copy of biosecurity practices to each of your contract growers.
Now, I know some of you are itching for a few more details, so here you go: the USDA put out a fact sheet back in 2004 that lists eight general biosecurity practices for poultry farms. And if you’re more of a visual learner, you can check out the free biosecurity CD called “Infectious Disease Risk Management: Practical Biosecurity Resources for Commercial Poultry Producers,” which is available from the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association.
Alright, let’s talk about the virus itself for a moment. Depending on temperature and moisture conditions, avian influenza A viruses can survive in the environment for weeks. But don’t worry, they’re generally sensitive to most detergents and disinfectants and are inactivated by heating and drying. But here’s the catch—contact with organic material like dust, dirt, litter, and manure can decrease the effectiveness of some disinfectants, so there’s still a chance that viruses will survive. That’s why it’s important to use U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered products that have a claim of being effective against influenza viruses. And when you’re using these disinfectants, be sure to read the label for instructions on how to use the product safely and effectively, as well as what personal protective equipment to wear.
Know the Signs Indicating Birds Are Infected with Avian Influenza Viruses
Now, if you’re working around poultry, it’s important to know the signs indicating that birds are infected with avian influenza viruses. These signs can vary depending on the virus strain, the age and species of the infected birds, any concurrent bacterial diseases, and the environment. So, keep an eye out for the following:
- Sudden death without any signs (now that’s a doozy)
- Lack of coordination (birds stumbling around like they’ve had one too many)
- Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs
- Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
- Lack of energy and appetite (not their usual peckish selves)
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
- Nasal discharge
- Decreased egg production
- Coughing, sneezing (sounds like a regular old bird cold, but it’s not)
And here’s the tricky part—some birds might look healthy as a horse (or should I say, healthy as a hen), but they could still be infected with the avian influenza virus. And the severity of the disease in poultry can vary during an outbreak. So if you notice any signs of disease in your flock, don’t dilly-dally. Take immediate steps to protect yourself and your fellow workers, quarantine the farm to prevent the spread of disease, and report the situation to the responsible animal health authorities. Trust me, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Take Antiviral Medication and Get the Current Season’s Influenza Vaccine if Appropriate
Now, let’s say you find yourself in the midst of an avian influenza outbreak. First things first—don’t panic. Workers who are involved in disease control and eradication activities should have a chat with their healthcare provider about the advisability of taking antiviral medications for influenza. The folks over at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended that workers receive an influenza antiviral drug daily for the entire time they’re in direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces. And in case you’re wondering, oseltamavir is the antiviral drug currently of choice because it’s less likely that the virus will be resistant to it compared to amantadine or rimantadine.
But that’s not all, folks. The CDC also recommends that workers involved in avian influenza disease control and eradication activities get the current season’s human influenza vaccine. Now, I know what you’re thinking—will the human influenza vaccine prevent infection with avian influenza A viruses? Well, the answer is no. But it can reduce the possibility of dual infection with avian and human influenza viruses. And while dual infection is unlikely, it’s plausible that such a situation could lead to the creation of new and different viral strains that might be transmissible among people and lead to more widespread infections. So, even if you’re not directly involved in disease control and eradication activities, it’s worth considering getting the current season’s influenza vaccine. Better safe than flu-ridden, I always say.
Now, I know there’s a lot of concern about human-to-human transmission of avian influenza A viruses. And while it has occurred, it’s been very uncommon. Public health authorities are keeping a watchful eye on outbreaks of human illness associated with avian influenza, and so far, human infections with avian influenza viruses identified since 1997 have not resulted in sustained human-to-human transmission. But if you want more info on dual infection concerns, the use of antiviral medications, and vaccination of poultry workers, the CDC’s got you covered with additional information on their website.
Know the Signs and Symptoms of Human Infection with Avian Influenza Viruses
So, you’re probably wondering, “What are the signs and symptoms of human infection with avian influenza viruses?” Well, let me tell you. If you’re infected, you might experience fever, cough, sore throat, conjunctivitis (that’s a fancy way of saying eye infections), and muscle aches. And in some cases, infection with avian influenza viruses can lead to more severe complications like pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and other life-threatening issues. So, if you’re feeling under the weather and have symptoms like these, or if you think you might have been exposed to avian influenza virus, don’t wait around. Seek medical care and let your healthcare provider know before you arrive that you may have been exposed to avian influenza virus. The sooner you get treatment, the better.
More information concerning human infection with avian influenza viruses is available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/professional/han081304.htm
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2004_01_15/en/
Personal Protective Equipment
And last but not least, let’s talk about personal protective equipment. You see, folks working daily in poultry confinement units—yes, even the kiddos—are at risk of exposure to a variety of contaminants. We’re talking organic dusts, gases like ammonia, and microorganisms. So, whether you’re a seasoned poultry worker or just starting out, make sure you’re wearing the appropriate gear to protect yourself from any hazards you might encounter.
In the realm of poultry farming, individuals, including children, face potential exposure to various contaminants such as organic dusts, gases like ammonia, and microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These contaminants can lead to illnesses, making it essential for poultry workers to regularly wear personal protective equipment (PPE). One example is the use of a respirator, which can decrease the risk of respiratory diseases and diminished lung function by reducing exposure to airborne organic dusts. Long-term exposure to these contaminants in the poultry sector can result in chronic lung disease and even premature death. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) advises against children participating in any work that necessitates wearing a respirator, as respirators are designed for adults and may not provide adequate protection for children. More information about NIOSH’s recommendations for young workers can be found on their website.
Most human cases of avian influenza virus infection are believed to occur through contact with infected poultry or touching contaminated surfaces, followed by self-inoculation of the virus into the eyes, nose, or mouth. Other possible transmission methods include inhaling airborne material containing the virus or the virus entering a person’s mouth, nose, or eyes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have provided recommendations for protecting workers involved in avian influenza outbreak control and eradication activities. These recommendations cover respiratory protection, eye protection, protective clothing, and hand hygiene practices. Additional information can be found on the CDC and OSHA websites:
See: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/protectionguid.htm
and
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/avian-flu.html
The rationale behind these recommendations and guidance on selecting appropriate PPE for workers responding to avian influenza outbreaks is detailed below. This information can be used to aid in developing biosecurity guidelines and standard operating procedures for various sectors of the poultry industry.
Selecting the right PPE ensemble involves understanding:
- Work activities linked to potential exposures
- Health effects resulting from exposure
- Virus properties (e.g., low or high pathogenicity)
- Host factors (e.g., worker susceptibility and immunization status)
- Advantages, disadvantages, and protective capabilities of different types of PPE
As the initial PPE ensemble may change during an outbreak response, those responsible for making revisions should be identified in the biosecurity guidelines.
Respiratory Protection
Respirators are crucial for poultry workers, as infectious diseases like avian influenza can be transmitted by inhaling contaminated dust. Air-purifying respirators, which use filters or cartridges, are the most practical and suitable options for poultry workers when exposed to infected birds or during everyday activities in poultry barns.
The table below details the advantages, disadvantages, and costs of five types of air-purifying respirators, in ascending order of protection level. More information on respirator selection can be found in the CDC/NIOSH histoplasmosis guidelines and the 2004 NIOSH Respirator Selection Logic.
Advantages, Disadvantages of Air-purifying Respirators for Protecting Poultry Workers
| Respirator type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Filtering facepiece (disposable; dust mask) | – Lightweight.
– No maintenance or cleaning needed. – No effect on mobility. |
– Provides no eye protection.
– Provides no protection against irritant gases such as ammonia. – Can add to heat burden. – Inward leakage at gaps in face seal. – Many models do not have adjustable head straps. – Difficult for a user to do a seal check. – Level of protection varies greatly among models. – Communication may be difficult. – Fit testing required to select proper facepiece size. – Some eyewear may interfere with facepiece fit. |
| Elastomeric half-facepiece | – Low maintenance.
– Reusable facepiece and replaceable filters and cartridges. – Dual cartridges can be used to protect workers from exposures to particles, gases, and vapors. – No effect on mobility. |
– Provides no eye protection.
– Can add to heat burden. – Inward leakage at gaps in face seal. – Facepiece must be cleaned and disinfected before reuse, this can be a contact-exposure risk. – Communication may be difficult. – Fit testing required to select proper facepiece size. – Some eyewear may interfere with facepiece fit. |
| Powered with hood, helmet, or loose-fitting facepiece | – Provides eye protection.
– Protection for people with beards, missing dentures, or facial scars. – Low breathing resistance. – Combination cartridges can be used for exposures to particles, gases, and vapors. – Flowing air creates cooling effect. – Face seal leakage is generally outward. – Fit testing is not required. – Prescription glasses can be worn. – Communication less difficult than with rubber half-facepiece or full-facepiece respirators. – Reusable components and replaceable filters. |
– Added weight of battery and blower.
– Awkward to wear for some tasks. – Components must be cleaned and disinfected before reuse; this can be a contact-exposure risk. – Battery requires charging. – Air flow must be tested with flow device before use. |
| Elastomeric full-facepiece with N-100, R-100, or P-100 filters | – Provides eye protection.
– Low maintenance. – Reusable facepiece and replaceable filters and cartridges. – Combination cartridges can be used for exposures to particles, gases, and vapors. – No effect on mobility. – More effective face seal than that of filtering facepiece or rubber half-facepiece respirators. |
– Can add to heat burden.
– Reduced field-of-vision compared to half-facepiece. – Inward leakage at gaps in face seal. – Facepiece must be cleaned and disinfected before reuse; this can be a contact-exposure risk. – Fit testing required to select proper facepiece size. – Facepiece lens can fog without nose cup or lens treatment. – Spectacle kit needed for people who wear corrective glasses. |
| Powered with tight-fitting half-facepiece or full-facepiece | – Provides eye protection with full-facepiece.
– Low breathing resistance. – Face seal leakage is generally outward. – Flowing air creates cooling effect. – Reusable components and replaceable filters. – Combination cartridges can be used for exposures to particles, gases, and vapors. |
– Added weight of battery and blower.
– Awkward to wear for some tasks. – No eye protection with half-facepiece. – Components must be cleaned and disinfected before reuse; this can be a contact-exposure risk. – Fit testing required to select proper facepiece size. – Battery requires charging. – Communication may be difficult |
All listed respirators can protect poultry workers, but only if all aspects of a written respiratory protection program are followed. This includes providing respirator training, fit testing tight-fitting facepieces, and having a program administrator to oversee the program and answer worker questions.
Respiratory protection can be challenging for many poultry workers, such as contract growers and their employees. Workers with prolonged direct or indirect exposure to any avian influenza virus in an enclosed setting should always participate in a respiratory protection program. Detailed information on respiratory protection programs and respirator use can be found on the OSHA website.
Eye Protection
Eye protection, like safety goggles or a full-face respirator, can reduce direct exposure of the eyes to contaminated dust and aerosols and help prevent workers from touching their eyes with contaminated hands. Non-vented or indirectly vented goggles are recommended. Indirectly vented goggles with a good anti-fog coating may be a suitable choice for poultry workers with lower exposure risks. However, these goggles are not airtight, and they will not entirely prevent exposure to airborne material. Directly vented goggles and safety glasses offer limited protection and are not recommended for protection against fine particles, splashes, or aerosols that may be encountered when working with infected birds.
For workers who wear prescription lenses, eye protection options include safety lenses with built-in correction, lens inserts, or eyewear that can fit over regular prescription glasses without compromising eye or respiratory protection. Although regular prescription glasses are incompatible with full-face respirators, they can be worn with some types of powered air-purifying respirators (those with hoods and some with helmets) and certain styles of goggles. To be effective, goggles must fit snugly, particularly from the corners of the eyes across the brow. Protective eyewear should not interfere with the wearer’s vision by disrupting the proper position of prescription lenses. Contact lenses can be worn with goggles, safety glasses, or any respirator, providing excellent corrective vision while maximizing the selected protective eyewear.
When using eye protection in conjunction with a respirator, it is essential to ensure that the goggles do not affect the facepiece seal. To guarantee that eye protection does not interfere with the facepiece seal, wearers should include their eye protection during respirator fit tests and seal checks each time they don the respirator. Workers should exercise caution when removing eye protection to avoid contact with contaminated equipment or mucous membranes. Properly selected and used eye protection can help prevent conjunctivitis (redness, swelling, and pain in the eyes and eyelids). Poultry workers exposed to avian influenza should consult a physician at the first signs of conjunctivitis.
More information on eye protection for infection control and other documents concerning eye safety are available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/eye/.
Protective Clothing and Hand Hygiene Practices
Protective clothing, including gloves, aprons, outer garments or coveralls, and boots or boot covers, should be utilized to prevent direct skin contact with contaminated materials and surfaces. This will also reduce the likelihood of transferring contaminated material outside of a poultry barn or work site. Disposable protective clothing is the preferred choice.
Because protective clothing can be more insulating than regular work clothing, precautions should be taken to protect workers from the effects of heat stress. For example, wearing a lightweight cotton coverall might pose a lower heat stress risk for a worker than a chemical-resistant suit. Workers should also be educated about the symptoms of heat-stress-related illnesses and know how to take appropriate action to prevent such illnesses. Information about heat stress and potential solutions can be found at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/.
Glove selection should consider the worker’s activities, the importance of dexterity, and the need for durability and resistance to tearing and abrasion. Disposable nitrile or vinyl gloves with a thickness of 8 to 12 mil are lightweight options, while heavy-duty gloves with a thickness of 18 mil or greater can be reused after disinfection. Regardless of the type of glove selected, it is essential to ensure that wearing protective gloves does not worsen existing dermatitis or damage healthy skin due to prolonged exposure to water or sweaty hands. For example, a thin cotton glove can be worn underneath a protective glove to prevent dermatitis from extended skin exposure to moisture caused by perspiration inside gloves.
Workers should always remove protective clothing (except for gloves) first, discarding or securing the clothing for disinfection before removing their respirators and goggles. The importance of strict handwashing after contacting infected birds or potentially contaminated surfaces must be emphasized. Providing suitable handwashing facilities, an ample supply of soap, and disposable towels is crucial. Workers should wash their gloved hands thoroughly with soap and water before removing gloves, and then wash their hands again after removing them. If handwashing facilities are unavailable at an outbreak response site, alternative hand-disinfection procedures should be specified. If waterless soaps or alcohol-based sanitizers are provided, care should be taken, as they can be harsh on the skin, potentially leading to dermatitis if used too frequently.
Implementing measures to prevent the spread of avian influenza to other areas is essential. To achieve this, disposable personal protective equipment should be properly discarded, and non-disposable items should be cleaned and disinfected according to outbreak-response guidelines.
Conclusion
Well, that just about wraps up our little journey through the world of avian influenza and how to protect our hardworking poultry workers from this viral troublemaker. So, whether you’re a chicken farmer, an egg collector, or a technician in a processing plant, remember to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for any signs of avian influenza among your feathered friends. And if you ever find yourself in the midst of an outbreak, follow the guidelines I’ve shared, and you’ll be well on your way to keeping yourself and your flock safe and sound.
Now, as much as I’d love to keep clucking away about poultry safety, I reckon it’s time for me to hit the dusty trail. But before I go, I want to thank you for joining me on this little adventure, and I hope you’ve found it informative and maybe even a little entertaining. Remember, safety is no accident, and when it comes to working with poultry, a little knowledge goes a long way.
That’s it for now. And if you ever find yourself in a coop, don’t forget to mind your manners and watch where you step. Take care, and keep those feathers flying!
References:
