Since its initial detection in U.S. dairy cows in March 2024, H5N1 has largely impacted dairy and poultry workers, accounting for 65 of the 70 confirmed human infections, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These individuals, as frontline handlers of livestock, are at an elevated risk of exposure compared to the general public. Their cooperation in disease monitoring and response efforts is therefore paramount, making any barrier to their participation a serious public health concern.

Virologists and public health experts warn that if workers are hesitant to come forward for testing due to immigration fears, it could prevent early medical interventions vital for H5N1 patients and allow the virus to circulate undetected. The article notes the virus’s adaptable nature, highlighting a new D1.1 variant that emerged in the fall of 2024, sparking fresh outbreaks across dairy cows, poultry, and other animals. This demonstrates the ongoing and evolving threat that necessitates comprehensive and unhindered surveillance.

The dilemma underscores a broader systemic vulnerability within the agribusiness sector’s biosecurity measures. Effective disease control relies on transparent reporting and collaboration, which can be inadvertently undermined by policies unrelated to public health. For dairy producers and poultry operators, this emphasizes the need for policies that prioritize public health and worker well-being, fostering trust that encourages, rather than discourages, full participation in disease mitigation efforts on their farms.