Protecting Workers from Bird Flu

Introduction: This podcast is brought to you by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

CCOHS is situated upon the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Mississaugas. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabek to share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. We further acknowledge that this land is covered by the Between the Lakes Purchase, 1792, between the Crown and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Elaine: Farms around the world are experiencing a surge in bird flu infections. And with outbreaks affecting poultry and dairy cattle, the people who work with these animals are also at risk of catching the virus.

Today, we talk with CCOHS’ senior technical specialist Matea Kokorovic. Matea will explain how bird flu spreads, how to recognize symptoms, and what preventative measures to take to reduce the risk.

Thanks for joining us today, Matea.

Matea: Hello! Thanks for having me!

Elaine: We know that bird flu is spreading in many parts of the world. What’s the situation in Canada right now?

Matea: Yes, you’re right - Bird flu is spreading across the globe. Here in Canada, only poultry farming has been affected so far. Since the spring, in the United States, bird flu has been detected in several herds of dairy cows. But it has not been detected in cattle, other livestock animals or dairy products in Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Health Canada are monitoring this situation closely.

Elaine: So, what exactly is bird flu and how does it spread?

Matea: Good question! Bird flu is a disease caused by a type of influenza virus. It typically spreads among wild aquatic birds and can also infect domestic poultry and mammals as well. One subtype of avian influenza called A(H5N1), causes severe disease and mortality in domestic poultry, some species of wild birds, and some species of mammals. Once a bird is infected, it sheds the virus in their feces and body fluids, like blood, mucus, and saliva. Rarely does bird flu infect humans, but it is possible. Most human infections have occurred after exposure to infected poultry or highly contaminated environments like barns or poultry farms.

Elaine: And who are the workers at greatest risk of getting the virus?

Matea: Another great question! Any workers exposed to infected birds or mammals and heavily contaminated environments are at greatest risk of becoming infected with bird flu. Some professions at increased risk are poultry farm workers, vet workers, wildlife officers handling infected wild animals, and dairy plant process workers.

Elaine: What are some symptoms of bird flu to watch out for?

Matea: Some people infected with bird flu may not develop any symptoms and others may only develop mild ones. Early symptoms in people can include cough, high fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and headache. In severe cases, pneumonia, seizures, or a changed mental state can occur.

Elaine: And how can employers help protect their workers from getting the disease?

Matea: Each workplace is unique, and the employer is required to take every reasonable precaution for the protection of workers. In workplaces where workers may have exposure to bird flu, a risk assessment must be conducted and appropriate control measures must be implemented.

General control measures include working outdoors or in well-ventilated environments, regularly washing your hands, avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, washing and changing your clothes after work, and staying home if you’re not feeling well. In some cases, it’s necessary to wear personal protective equipment, such as impervious gloves, and coveralls, and masks. Which control measures will be used will depend on the initial risk assessment that was completed.

Elaine: With bird flu becoming a growing concern globally, and here in Canada, it’s important to understand what the virus is, and how it spreads, to protect workers on the job.

So, thank you Matea for providing us with practical guidance. And thanks, as always, to our listeners for tuning in.

Matea: Thank you. Have a great day!