OSHA Avian Flu Guidance
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued new guidelines for employers on how to prepare for an avian flu pandemic. The guidance is intended to update OSHA's original guidelines issues in 2004. There are not separate recommendations for poultry employees and those who handle other animals, and for laboratory employees, health care personnel, food handlers, travelers, and U.S. employees stationed abroad. The primary focus is on good hygiene, including use of gloves and hand washing, as well as respiratory protection for those who work with infected animals or individuals.
The guidance also includes links to helpful Web sites with additional information, and a list of technical articles and resources, including a history on flu pandemics, symptoms and outcomes of various strains of the avian flu, a summary of the bird importation regulations, and details on the transmission of the virus.