US CDC says bird flu risk low, but asks states to be ready with rapid testing

Reuters

Published Apr 08, 2024 11:22AM ET

Updated Apr 08, 2024 11:41AM ET

(Reuters) -The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Monday bird flu risk to the public remains low even as it asked the state public health officials to be prepared to respond.

The agency asked for plans to quickly test and provide treatment to potentially impacted farm workers following positive results among cattle herds.

It also encouraged state health officials to communicate about any challenges they are facing.

Earlier Texas and the CDC had reported a case of avian influenza in a person who had contact with dairy cows presumed to be infected with the virus.