Also known as, A(H5N1), HPAI, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or bird flu. Updated: May 2025
Health, Safety, and Risk Management (HSRM) is continuing to monitor the evolving avian influenza situation.
The CDC recommends protective measures for workers who are exposed to infected or potentially infected animals, animal bodily fluids, waste, bedding or housing areas. Poultry and dairy workers are most likely to be exposed. Other types of workers may also be at risk for exposure. Workers may be exposed in two main ways.
- Working with animals confirmed or potentially infected with avian influenza A viruses.
- Working with animal bodily fluids (including milk) and tissue samples, or waste and bedding, that are contaminated or potentially contaminated with avian influenza A viruses.
Required Respiratory Protection
Employees with occupational exposure to the following are required to enroll in the Respiratory Protection Program to be prepared to continue work in the event of an outbreak of H5N1.
Lactating Dairy Cows and Domestic Poultry
If your work must continue during quarantine for an outbreak of H5N1 you are required to enroll in the Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) to ensure you are ready to use a respirator to continue your essential duties without delay.
Examples of work that must continue during an outbreak:
- Regular husbandry activities
- Contact with bedding and waste
- Urgent facility repairs
IACUC/IBC approved H5N1 related research activities
Respirators are not required to be utilized unless there is a confirmed case of H5N1. Your supervisor will inform you if respiratory protection becomes mandatory due to an outbreak.
Wild Birds
If your work brings you into contact with wild birds you are required to enroll in the Respiratory Protection Program.
Examples of work with wild birds
- Bird banding
- Obtaining measurements or samples
- Attending to ill birds
When to wear the respirator is based on a risk assessment of specific activities and local outbreak conditions that is the responsibility of your supervisor to determine.
Raw Milk
If you handle raw milk outside of primary containment you are required to enroll in the Respiratory Protection Program.
Examples of handling raw milk outside of primary containment
- Milking procedures
- Attending to the transfer of or collecting samples of raw milk
- Open bench testing of raw milk samples
When to wear the respirator is based on a risk assessment of specific activities that is prepared by your supervisor.
Exemptions
You may be exempted from the respiratory protection program requirements if your specific work will be suspended (you will not be exposed to the animals/materials listed above) during a barn quarantine or an outbreak in nature because your risk of occupational exposure to H5N1 is removed. The exemption will be communicated at the time that the applicable IACUC protocol is under review.
Employee Respiratory Protection Program Enrollment
Employees listed on IACUC and IBC Protocols
As of September 2024, respirator requirements will be reviewed as a part of the IACUC or IBC protocol review. When respiratory protection is required, the Biosafety and Occupational Health Department will enroll employees. Employees will receive further instructions via email.
Employees not listed on IACUC or IBC Protocols
Employees should confirm with their supervisor or program coordinator. Once confirmed, they must complete the Respiratory Protection Requirement Survey listed on the Respiratory Protection Program website. Employees will receive further instructions via email.
N-95 Respirator Selection
N-95 Respirator Selection
N-95 Respirator Selection
All employees being fit tested for HPAIv should be fit for N-95 respirators without exhalation valves unless they will be working in outdoor settings (e.g. dairy or poultry barns). The exhalation valve option will provide some additional comfort to the employee in occupational environments where it is hot and/or humid and heat-related illnesses are a concern. Listed below are recommended respirators:
N-95 Respirator Fit Testing Services
Employees must be clean-shaven where the N-95 respirator seals with the face. See this NIOSH CDC Facial Hairstyles and Filtering Facepiece Respirators diagram for examples of which styles do and do not interfere with the seal.
Twin Cities
Twin Cities
Employees must be clean-shaven where the N-95 respirator seals with the face. See this NIOSH CDC Facial Hairstyles and Filtering Facepiece Respirators diagram for examples of which styles do and do not interfere with the seal.
Morris, Crookston, or Duluth
Morris, Crookston, or Duluth
Employees should visit the Clinical Services website to find area-specific information about respirator fit testing services.
Voluntary Use of Respirators
Voluntary Use of Respirators
Voluntary Use of Respirators
When respiratory protection is not required, employees may choose to wear a respirator voluntarily. Voluntary users must complete Voluntary Use Respiratory Protection Training (UHS516 in Training Hub) and review the information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) standard 1910.134 App D.
Unpaid Student Respiratory Protection
Unpaid Student Respiratory Protection
HSRM is not providing fit testing services for unpaid students at this time because they are not considered essential for an outbreak response. Further questions can be directed to [email protected]
H5N1 Symptom Self- Monitoring
H5N1 Symptom Self- Monitoring
H5N1 Symptom Self- Monitoring
Per the CDC, self-observation of potential signs of illness are important to monitor even if you are using PPE and following biosafety instructions. This practice will facilitate timely treatment if necessary.
Symptoms can include*:
- Fever (Temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater) or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
- Eye tearing, redness, or irritation (conjunctivitis)
- Headaches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Diarrhea
*Note that these signs and symptoms are non-specific and overlap with those caused by other respiratory viruses, including seasonal influenza A and B viruses. Evaluation of symptoms by a physician will determine if further testing, isolation, and/or treatment is warranted.
Observe your health daily for signs of symptoms listed above and if you start having symptoms, seek care.
Seeking Care for Symptoms
Seeking Care for Symptoms
Seeking Care for Symptoms
IMPORTANT: Inform the clinic that you have flu-like symptoms and have been in contact with animals or animal products that are potentially or known to be infected with H5N1.
Paid Employees and Students:
View the Clinical Services website for further information by location.
Visit the Occupational Health Injury, Illness, and Exposures website for information about first-aid and reporting requirements.
Students (unpaid):
Contact your personal clinic or Boynton Health.