A month after avian influenza (HPAI H5N1) was detected in U.S. dairy cows, the first known human case linked to cattle exposure was confirmed in Texas. Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a $3 million grant to a research team at Texas A&M University to study the virus’s impact on dairy farm workers.
The Texas case marked a possible first: transmission of H5N1 from birds to cows and then to a human. Since the virus was first identified in dairy herds, 70 human infections have been reported, with four cases directly linked to exposure to sick cows.
Investigating Exposure on the Ground
The CDC-funded project is led by Dr. David Douphrate at the Texas A&M School of Public Health. His team is conducting fieldwork on Texas dairy farms to assess how widespread exposure to H5N1 might be among workers. Their approach, often called “shoe leather epidemiology,” involves going directly to the farms to collect data—something many public health programs cannot do.
Before beginning any work, researchers meet with dairy owners to explain the project and gain consent. At the farms, they talk to workers, answer questions, and collect consent. Each participating worker completes a questionnaire, and researchers collect blood samples and swabs from the nose and eyes for lab testing. The entire process can take one to three days, depending on the size of the workforce.
What the Research Will Reveal
Blood samples show whether someone has been exposed to the virus in the past, while swabs indicate whether they are currently infected. If someone tests positive, the team helps them access appropriate healthcare. All data is anonymous—no names, birthdates, or photos are collected—to protect workers’ privacy and encourage participation.
The team includes a wide range of experts: infectious disease epidemiologists, veterinarians, occupational health researchers, biostatisticians, and emergency preparedness specialists. Together, they analyze lab results alongside workplace data to understand how the virus spreads and what can be done to prevent it.
Building Trust with the Dairy Community
The researchers say their longstanding relationships with dairy farmers have been key to the project’s success. By respecting workers’ confidentiality and minimizing fear, the team is able to collect accurate, reliable data. Findings are shared in aggregate form to avoid identifying individual farms or workers.
Ultimately, the study aims to protect the health of those working in the dairy industry—essential contributors to America’s food supply. With deeper insight into how H5N1 spreads, researchers hope to improve safety measures and limit the virus’s impact on both people and livestock.
As Dr. Douphrate notes, a nation that depends on agriculture must prioritize the health and safety of its farm workers. This research represents a vital step in protecting them—and the food systems they support.
