Governor Gavin Newsom has proactively declared a state of emergency in response to the rapid spread of H5N1 avian influenza among dairy cattle in California.
Following the detection of new H5N1 avian influenza cases in Southern California dairy cows, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency. While emphasizing the low risk to the general public, he cited the need for swift action.
Since March, the virus has impacted dairy herds across at least 16 states. Although the CDC reports no human-to-human transmission, at least 61 human cases have been identified nationwide, including 34 in California.
“This emergency declaration provides government agencies with the necessary resources and flexibility to swiftly address this outbreak,” Newsom stated Wednesday. “Despite the low public risk, we’re taking all precautions to prevent further spread.”
H5N1 poses a significant threat in human infections. The WHO has documented over 860 confirmed cases since 2003, with a mortality rate of approximately 53 percent.
The current US outbreak, originating in 2022 on poultry farms, has resulted in the culling of over 100 million birds. California is the first state to declare a state of emergency, though Colorado issued a targeted disaster alert in July.
Newsom’s action follows the discovery of new infections on Southern California dairy farms. The state has already implemented measures to mitigate the spread by collaborating with dairy and poultry farms to minimize worker exposure, as most cases involve these workers.
The CDC confirmed the first case of severe illness from bird flu in Louisiana on Wednesday, involving an individual in close contact with infected birds.
The FDA assures consumers that beef and dairy products are safe for consumption, advising against only raw milk consumption.