How can milkers be infected?
Milking technicians are constantly exposed to raw (unpasteurized) milk. Several steps that occur during the milking procedure increase exposure including fore-stripping, CMT testing/sampling or leaking cows. Milk can also be found in equipment, used towels, work clothes and many other areas of the parlor floor, walls etc. Additional risk is present in dairies that use raw milk to feed calves. If milk is not pasteurized on the farm prior to feeding, the risk can potentially extend to calf feeders and other employees who are in contact with the raw milk. However, many of these processes are vital for the optimal functioning of a dairy farm. This highlights the importance of increasing awareness and implementing strategies to reduce the risk for dairy farm workers.
What practices should be employed every day?
Standard hygiene practices and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be reviewed and updated if necessary. Hands should be washed with hot, soapy water prior to starting a shift and before taking breaks. After a shift ends, the employee should shower (highly recommended) or wash hands and face with water and soap. Parlor employees should wear the following PPE throughout their shift:
Gloves: Should be worn 100% of the time in the parlor (including cow “pushers” who step inside the milking pit. Gloves should be instantly replaced if torn.
Clothing: Clean clothing is recommended. If outerwear protection is used (e.g. aprons or arm sleeves) they should be rinsed after each shift. Work attire should remain at the farm or kept separated from other clothing at the milker’s home. If no outerwear is used, work clothes should be kept and washed at the farm.
Boots: Preferably impermeable and slip-resistant shoes should be used while working in the parlor. These should be cleaned prior to a shift and often rinsed if stepping in manure or other areas outside the milking pit (e.g. the holding pen) boots should be disinfected with chlorinated water at the end of each shift.
Is there anything extra to add to mitigate HPAI infection?
Additional protective equipment can be employed. Any equipment that protects the worker from milk droplets can aid in reducing the risk of infection. Impermeable aprons and sleeves can be added to protect arms and clothes. If the herd is confirmed positive MSU Extension recommends the following:
- Workers should wear safety glasses to protect the eyes from milk splashes. Current guidance from the CDC also establishes the use of N95 masks or respirators for workers exposed to animals positive for HPAI. If visibility becomes problematic due to the high humidity environment in the parlor, a face shield can be used to protect the face from milk droplets.
- Workers should avoid touching the face, eyes and nose area during their shift. If needed, use a clean disposable towel and quickly discard after use.
- Dispose of gloves every time the worker exits the parlor area.
- Disinfect and wash prior to lunch breaks, bathroom use or anytime workers exit the parlor. New gloves should be used when they return to the milking floor.
- MSU Extension recommends that farms provide a container (pan or bucket) with chlorinated water next to the door to the milking floor so workers can step in to clean their boots every time they exit the parlor. Is important to rinse the boots to remove manure or sand prior to disinfection.
- Do not provide raw milk to cats or other animals, especially if the herd is positive for HPAI as this can lead to further spreading of the disease and presents an additional risk of infection.
Although current information suggests that HPAI presents a low risk to humans and those affected have recovered successfully without any major setback, we should still employ methods to reduce the risk of infection and limit the spread of this disease. HPAI still presents clinical symptoms in humans that may vary in severity and length. Therefore, any action to mitigate the risk of infection will lead to a safer work environment.
Source : msu.edu