CDC Urges Broader Bird Flu Testing After Study Finds Infection in Asymptomatic Farmworkers

A Nov. 7 study in Michigan and Colorado found that 7 percent of tested workers had antibodies indicating previous H5N1 infection.

A photo illustration of test tubes labeled "Bird Flu" on Jan. 14, 2023. Dado Ruvic/Reuters Illustration/File

Federal health officials have called for expanded bird flu testing among farmworkers following a study revealing signs of infection in asymptomatic dairy workers.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), told reporters on Nov. 7 that farmworkers who come into close contact with infected animals should be tested and offered treatment even if they are asymptomatic.