Personal Protective Equipment for Influenza A (H5N1) in High-Risk Farm Settings: A Workshop

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will host a two-day virtual public workshop, Personal Protective Equipment for Influenza A (H5N1) in High-Risk Farm Settings, on September 29–30, 2025. This event will convene experts, policymakers, livestock industry leaders, farm owners, and frontline PPE users such as farmworkers and veterinarians to address urgent challenges posed by H5N1 transmission in agricultural environments.

Objectives of the Workshop

The workshop aims to advance understanding and practical solutions around:

• Current State of Knowledge: Reviewing how H5N1 transmits to humans, identifying high-risk activities, and clarifying the role of PPE relative to engineering and administrative controls.
• Best Practices and Feasibility: Examining existing recommendations and identifying barriers to PPE use in farm settings, with a focus on farmworker perspectives.
• Respiratory Protection: Exploring alternatives to NIOSH-approved respirators and their implications for respiratory protection programs.
• Innovative Technologies: Considering novel approaches to improve PPE fit, usability, and effectiveness, including evaluation needs for emerging technologies.
• Training and Communication: Enhancing health communication and education strategies to ensure workers understand the importance of PPE in preventing H5N1 transmission.
• Research Gaps: Highlighting critical areas for future research to better protect workers and limit zoonotic spread. 

Target Audience

This workshop is designed for:

• Public health professionals and epidemiologists focused on infectious disease prevention.
• Occupational health and safety specialists.
• Agricultural stakeholders, including farm owners and livestock industry leaders.
• Policy advisors and decision-makers involved in global health security.
• Farmworkers, veterinarians, and PPE users operating in high-risk farm environments.

Why This Workshop Matters

As avian influenza A (H5N1) continues to present significant risks at the human-animal interface, ensuring the protection of farmworkers is both a public health and occupational safety priority. PPE remains a critical component of disease prevention, but implementation challenges—ranging from usability to accessibility—require collective attention. By creating a space for scientific exchange, the workshop will help shape evidence-based strategies to strengthen preparedness and response.

For more information and registration details, visit the National Academies event page.