California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Wednesday following an outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu virus in Southern California dairy cows. The emergency declaration comes just after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the “first instance of severe illness” in a patient in Louisiana.
While the CDC reports no human-to-human transmission in the US, 61 human cases have been identified nationwide–all linked to infected cattle–with 34 in California. The outbreak among California livestock was first reported in March 2024.
Learn more about the all-new VT News and subscribe today!
Despite containment efforts, dairy cows at four Southern California dairies tested positive for the virus last week, “necessitating a shift from regional containment to statewide monitoring and response to active cases.”
Newsom’s office emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low and has implemented measures to minimize exposure among dairy and poultry workers. The declaration aims to enhance the state’s response capabilities, providing resources and flexibility to government agencies.
“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” the governor said in a statement. “While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus.”
The declaration follows similar actions taken by states like Colorado and involves expanded monitoring and coordination to control the virus spread. This emergency status will allow for increased support to regional authorities in terms of staffing, supplies, and other services.
Add comment