TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — The California Department of Public Health (CDHP) has confirmed six cases of the avian influenza virus in the state.
As of Friday, there were five other possible cases in the Central Valley.
CDHP says the risk to the general public is low.
And people who work with infected animals are at higher risk.
The Tulare County Public Health Department has been working for several months to ensure dairy farms have enough personal protective equipment to keep their employees safe.
“They’re definitely the backbone of Tulare County. They’re some of the hardest-working people you’ll find. So it’s our job as public health to keep them as safe as possible.” said Sean Roberts of Tulare County Public. health.
Efforts to distribute PPE to 160 Tulare County dairies began in the spring.
Since then, they have provided $1 million worth of equipment.
“I remember during the pandemic when there wasn’t a lot of personal protective equipment available due to supply chain issues. So we decided, what are we going to do in the face of this situation? You know how to put it in,” Sean continues. , “We’re going to protect dairy workers. We’re going to protect dairy workers. We’re going to protect our public in the best way we can.”
One dairy farmer in the San Joaquin Valley said he is disinfecting farm floors and equipment, including the tires of trucks that transport cows in and out.
They also take special precautions to ensure cows receive electrolytes and see their veterinarian regularly.
We guarantee that our store-bought products are safe for consumption.
“The products we produce for human consumption are 100% safe. Whether it’s used in cheese, milk or butter, they’re all pasteurized. Because milk is pasteurized , all the bacteria in the milk will be killed,” says the farmer.
They say ensuring the safety of their employees is their top priority.
Infection with the virus is said to cause mild flu-like symptoms.
Fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, etc.
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