Employers

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) Information for Employers

Page originally published 2/21/2025.

Workers may be exposed to avian influenza A viruses when:

Working with animals confirmed or potentially infected with avian influenza A viruses.
Working with materials, including raw milk, that are contaminated or potentially contaminated with avian influenza A viruses.

Employers of organizations that provide services involving animals should take steps to reduce workers' exposure to avian influenza A viruses from sick animals or contaminated environments.

Familiarize yourself with any Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements that may apply to you.
If you operate in a state that is regulated by a state OSHA plan, familiarize yourself with any additional requirements that may apply.
To protect workers who might be exposed, employers should develop or update a workplace health and safety plan. OSHA has helpful guidance and consultation on developing a workplace health and safety plan. Your local agriculture extension office may also have resources available.

On this page:

Engineering and Administrative Controls
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Resources

Engineering and Administrative Controls

Reduce, or prevent, hazards from coming into contact with workers.

Use a ventilation system that provides a constant supply of fresh air.
Strategically place fans and vents.
Use airflow exhaust and makeup air supply strategies.
Regularly clean and maintain ventilation systems.
Use milking systems with automated features, such as automatic takeoffs or robotic systems.

Ensure policies and work practices that reduce workers' exposure to hazards.

Watch for sick or dead animals on your farm or workplace and monitor animals for changes in feed consumption or production metrics.
Test animals for avian influenza A virus if indicated.
Develop plans to monitor workers for illness.
Ask employees to monitor themselves for symptoms of illness every day while they are working with animals confirmed or potentially infected. They should continue to self-monitor for 10 days after the last day of exposure. If they become sick while working or during those 10 days:
- Have them isolate themselves from others and tell their supervisor,
- Help them contact your state or local health department, and
- Give them instructions for seeking medical evaluation and treatment, if recommended.
Encourage your employees to get a seasonal flu vaccine.
- Seasonal flu vaccination is not designed or intended to prevent infection with avian influenza A viruses but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human seasonal influenza viruses.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Recommended PPE:

NIOSH Approved® particulate respirator
Fluid-resistant coveralls
Safety goggles
Boot covers or boots
Head cover or hair cover
Disposable gloves
Optional items: waterproof apron over the top of coveralls to prevent cross contamination during PPE removal and face shield over the top of goggles and respirator to protect against large amount of liquid splashing onto the filtering facepiece respirator

Be mindful of heat safety when using PPE.