Birds and other animals on commercial farms, including poultry and dairy operations, can become infected with bird flu. Bird flu can spread to people who work with these animals if they come into contact with infected animals’ saliva, mucus, or feces, or if they work in contaminated environments.
Employers and workers should take appropriate precautions to prevent exposure and reduce the spread of bird flu in agricultural settings.
For Employers
Employers should follow Washington state worker safety requirements and public health recommendations to protect employees, animals, and facilities from bird flu. To ensure worker safety, employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate to the risk level.
Worker safety resources:
- Bird Flu Workplace Safety and Health, Labor and Industries
- Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Directive, Labor and Industries (PDF)
- Reducing Exposure for Workers to Avian Influenza A Viruses, CDC
Track Bird Flu Detections
Track national bird flu detections in domestic birds at USDA's Detection of Avian Influenza.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Support
We offer a one-time provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for commercial dairy producers, poultry producers, milk processing facilities, and slaughterhouses to support preparedness and prevention. Available PPE includes:
- Disposable gloves
- NIOSH-approved respirators
- Safety goggles
- Face shields
We will ship PPE free of charge to the address provided. Make a request through the PPE Request Form.
For Workers
People who work in commercial agriculture may have close and sustained contact with animals, which can increase their risk of bird flu when animals are infected. Workers should:
- Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in areas where bird flu is confirmed of suspected.
- Follow workplace safety procedures.
- Report symptoms of illness and follow employer guidance.
Information about required PPE and workplace protections in Washington state can be found on Bird Flu Workplace Safety and Health, Labor and Industries. Additional guidance is available on Information for Workers Exposed to H5N1 Bird Flu, CDC.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wear PPE when handling sick or dead birds or other infected animals, or when working in contaminated environments.
Recommended PPE includes:
- Disposable gloves
- Safety goggles (unvented or indirectly vented)
- NIOSH-approved respirator rated N95 or higher
- Rubber boots
- Disposable fluid-resistant coveralls
Additional PPE may be required based on a workplace risk assessment and may include:
- Boot covers
- Face shield if splash risk is present
- Disposable head or hair covers
Reduce Your Risk
To further reduce exposure:
- Keep work boots and contaminated gear at work whenever possible.
- Clean and disinfect reusable PPE, including rubber boots.
- Launder work clothing immediately after use.
- Wash hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, after working with infected animals or in contaminated environments.