The bird flu H5N1 virus has spread to dairy cows, and in some cases, infected people who work with them. Washington State University researchers are working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to create messages for dairy farmers and workers to stay safe.
A team from WSU’s Murrow College of Communication has developed a communication toolkit to help Extension agents deliver accurate information to farmers. The toolkit aims to address concerns about raw milk, which may contain the virus, and proper handling of pasteurized milk.
According to the USDA, more than 915 dairy herds in 16 states have been infected with H5N1 since its discovery in March 2024. Human infections have been relatively low, with around 58 confirmed cases as of mid-December. Dairy farmers are advised to follow proper protocols for handling and pasteurizing milk.
Experts emphasize that the virus is not deadly for cows or humans if treated promptly. However, proper precautions are crucial, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers caring for infected cows.
The WSU team has been working with dairy farmers to understand their concerns and develop messages tailored to their needs. “Farmers are experts in their field,” says Nicole O’Donnell, a communication researcher. “We want to empower them with the right information to keep their farm healthy and safe.”
Source: https://news.wsu.edu/news/2025/01/10/murrow-leading-national-h5n1-communications-for-dairy-workers