Recommendations for Worker Protection and Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Reduce Exposure to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A H5 Viruses - CDC
Information for workers
Any person working with or exposed to animals such as poultry and livestock farmers and workers, backyard bird flock owners, veterinarians and veterinary staff, and responders should take steps to reduce the risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses associated with severe disease when working with animals or materials potentially infected or confirmed to be infected with these viruses.
Avoid unprotected direct or close physical contact with:
- Sick birds, livestock, or other animals
- Carcasses of birds, livestock, or other animals
- Feces or litter
- Raw milk
- Surfaces and water (e.g., ponds, waterers, buckets, pans, troughs) that might be contaminated with animal excretions.
If you must work with or enter any not yet disinfected buildings where these materials or sick or dead animals potentially infected or confirmed to be infected are or were present, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in addition to the PPE you might be using for your normal duties (e.g., waterproof apron, hearing protection, etc.). Appropriate PPE depends on the hazards present and a site-specific risk assessment. If you have questions on the type of PPE to use or how to fit it properly, ask your supervisor. Recommended PPE to protect against novel influenza A viruses includes:
- Disposable or non-disposable fluid-resistant [i] coveralls, and depending on task(s), add disposable or non-disposable waterproof apron
- Any NIOSH Approved® particulate respirator (e.g., N95® or greater filtering facepiece respirator, elastomeric half mask respirator with a minimum of N95 filters)
- Properly-fitted unvented or indirectly vented safety goggles [ii] or a faceshield if there is risk of liquid splashing onto the respirator
- Rubber boots or rubber boot covers with sealed seams that can be sanitized or disposable boot covers for tasks taking a short amount of time
- Disposable or non-disposable head cover or hair cover
- Disposable or non-disposable gloves [iii]