California Governor Gavin Newsom declares state of emergency for bird flu

California Governor Gavin Newsom declares State of Emergency for bird flu

Earlier today, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency in California in response to prepare for the potential threat of bird flu, also known as Avian influenza A (H5N1). 

The Governor’s office said the emergency declaration will help state and local agencies better respond to the outbreak of the disease, as many dairy cows and two dairy workers in southern California have been infected this fall. Since August 30, 2024, 641 dairies in the state’s Central Valley have reported positive tests.

The proclamation comes on the same day that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the first known severe case of bird flu in the U.S., after a person was hospitalized with the disease in Louisiana. The CDC states the investigation into the source of infection in Louisiana is ongoing.

“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” Newsom said in a press release.

Wastewater samples from California have found genetic material of the virus H5N1 in numerous cities over the past few weeks, including Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, and many others. Still, many experts say the risk to humans is currently low. 

“Building on California’s testing and monitoring system — the largest in the nation — we are committed to further protecting public health, supporting our agriculture industry, and ensuring that Californians have access to accurate, up-to-date information. While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus,” Newsom said.

The CDC recommends avoiding contact with sick and dead animals, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with sick or infected animals, and avoiding surfaces or materials that could have come in contact with the bodily fluids or feces of infected animals.

Other experts recommend wearing a high-quality respirator, like an N-95, to protect yourself from respiratory viruses. Flu viruses, like SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19), can spread through the air, though it’s important to know that H5N1 is only spreading from animals to people — not person-to-person — at this time.

Editor’s note, December 19, 3:30 pm Eastern: This article was updated to clarify how H5N1 is currently spreading.