| Objective of Talk |
Agricultural operations are essential to national food security and economic resilience. However, the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) within U.S. dairy herds underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Dairy farm workers—predominantly immigrant, Hispanic males aged 30–35 years with limited English proficiency and low socioeconomic status—represent a sentinel population at elevated risk for zoonotic exposures. Protecting our agriculture workforce is both a public health and national security priority. We conducted a cross-sectional One Health investigation among U.S. dairy farm workers to estimate cumulative incidence of influenza A(H5N1) exposure and identify modifiable occupational risk factors. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the CDC’s HPAI Exposure Tool, assessing demographics, animal contact frequency, PPE use, and awareness of avian influenza outbreaks. Nasopharyngeal and conjunctival swabs were tested for influenza A via PCR, and serum samples were screened for antibodies using hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and microneutralization assays. Positive molecular samples were sequenced to characterize viral strains. Preliminary molecular and serologic evidence suggest potential environmental and occupational exposure to avian influenza among dairy workers, reinforcing the need for integrated surveillance across human, animal, and environmental sectors. Findings highlight critical opportunities for early detection, infection prevention, and occupational health interventions tailored to this crucial workforce. This study provides essential data to guide One Health–based response strategies aimed at reducing zoonotic transmission risk and ensuring continuity of agricultural production. |
