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US poultry workers test positive for avian flu
The CDC has said that it believes the risk to the public ramains low.
The cases are all linked to the culling of an infected flock.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first human cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry workers since 2022.

Four cases have been confirmed, and a fifth case is awaiting confirmation. All of the cases involve farm workers who were taking part in a cull of poultry at a facility in north east Colorado that was experiencing an outbreak of HPAI H5N1.

The workers who have tested positive all reported mild illness, including conjunctivitis and eye tearing, as well as fever, chills, coughing and sore throat/runny nose. None of them needed to be hospitalised.

State epidemiologists are investigating with support from CDC. It is suspected the cases were caused by working directly with poultry carrying the virus.

Although the cases are the first in American poultry workers since 2022, there have been cases this year in dairy workers linked to the ongoing outbreak of the virus in cattle, including one in Colorado.

Colorado is one of the states most affected by the HPAI outbreak in cattle, with more than 40 herds testing positive for the virus.
 
In a statement confirming the human cases, CDC said that genetic sequencing of the virus in the clinical specimens is underway, and that it believes ‘the risk to the public from this outbreak remains low.’

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.