CDC Teams Up in Washington State to Assess Poultry Workers' Health

By Tom Polansek

CHICAGO (Reuters) – The CDC is deploying a team to Washington state to evaluate the health of farm workers who culled poultry infected with bird flu, following presumed infections in four workers, according to U.S. and state health officials on Monday.

These infections would make Washington the sixth state to identify human cases this year, raising concerns among public health experts. Infections among U.S. dairy cattle and more than two dozen farm workers have alarmed scientists and federal officials regarding risks to humans.

California and Washington are looking to administer seasonal flu vaccines to farm workers to mitigate the risk of simultaneous infections with both bird flu and seasonal influenza. Such dual infections could heighten the chances of the virus mutating and spreading more easily among humans, potentially leading to a pandemic, according to virologists.

Washington State Department of Health spokesperson Roberto Bonaccorso mentioned, "We don't have evidence yet of transmission between people."

The CDC is currently awaiting specimens for testing from Washington and is sending a team to assist in assessing the health of farm workers, as stated by an agency spokesperson. They noted that while the public risk from the outbreak in cattle remains low, individuals exposed to infected animals are at increased risk.

The four workers tested presumptively positive after working at an infected egg farm, with reports suggesting inconsistent use of protective gear. Symptoms included mild respiratory issues and conjunctivitis, for which they were given antiviral medication.

These workers were involved in removing carcasses and cleaning facilities related to the culling of about 800,000 chickens, with the virus strain originating from wild birds, according to Washington's agriculture department.

So far this year, 27 individuals have tested positive nationwide for the virus, with all but one having known exposure to infected poultry or dairy cattle. Over 100 million U.S. chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been culled since the outbreak began in 2022.