Many people have concerns about the spread of avian flu.
Avian influenza is a viral disease that can cause sickness
and death among poultry. Concern is growing over the avian
influenza virus being transmitted to poultry workers or
others who come in contact with infected poultry or contact
with contaminated surfaces. Even more public health concerns
exist over the possible epidemics resulting from human-to-human
passage of the virus.
Wash Hands
The first step for basic infection control is having suitable
hand-washing facilities and a good supply of soap and disposable
towels available. Before removing their gloves, workers
should wash their gloved hands thoroughly with soap and
water for 15-20 seconds. After removing the gloves, they
should wash their hands again. In addition to hand washing,
workers should also be informed about the methods of
infection and wear the proper personal protective equipment.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment
Because most cases of avian influenza virus infection in
humans are thought to have resulted from contact with
infected poultry or contacting contaminated surfaces
followed by self-inoculation of the virus into the eyes,
nose or mouth, wearing personal protective equipment
(PPE) can prevent the spread of the infection. Other
means of transmission are possible, such as airborne
material containing the virus entering a person's mouth,
nose, eyes or lungs.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommend the following
personal protective equipment (PPE) for those who are concerned
about exposure to the avian flu virus.
Respiratory Protection
Because infectious diseases such as avian influenza may be transmitted by breathing
contaminated dust, poultry workers should wear respirators. Disposable
particulate respirators are the minimum level of respiratory protection
that should be worn. A respirator with the N95 designation is the lowest-rated
respirator recommended by the CDC and OSHA. An N99 or N100 rate respirator
will provide more protection and a half-mask or full-face
respirator with a P100 filter will provide the most amount of protection
against the avian influenza virus.
Eye Protection
Eye protection will reduce direct exposure of the eyes
to contaminated dust and aerosols and help keep workers
from touching their eyes with contaminated fingers. To
prevent the mucous membranes of the eyes from being exposed
to the avian influenza virus, poultry workers should
wear safety
goggles or a respirator that has a full-face piece,
hood or helmet. If safety goggles are worn, they should
be non-vented or, at a minimum, indirectly vented.
Hand Protection
Use disposable gloves made of nitrile or vinyl that
are lightweight (a thickness of 8 to 12 mil) or gloves
that are heavy duty (a thickness of 15 mil or greater)
that can be reused after being disinfected.
Protective Clothing
Protective clothing, which includes gloves, coveralls,
and boots or boot
covers, should be used to prevent direct skin contact
with contaminated materials and surfaces and reduce the
likelihood of transferring contaminated material outside
a poultry barn or work-site. Disposable
protective coveralls are preferred. Disposable protective
shoe covers or rubber or PVC boots that can be cleaned
and disinfected should be worn.
PPE Decontamination
Workers should always remove protective clothing (except
for gloves) first and discard or secure the clothing
for disinfection before removing their respirators and
goggles. It is important that workers understand the
importance of hand washing after contacting infected
or potentially infected birds or surfaces that might
be contaminated.
For more information, see the technical pages Avian
Flu Biosecurity Practices and Avian
Flu Signs of Infection.
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