San Mateo County has confirmed its first case of bird flu, H5N1, in a backyard poultry flock in San Mateo. This is part of 49 reported cases across the country, including 38 in California. The US Department of Agriculture reports that no human infection has been linked to the outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) previously recorded a fatal human case of H5N1 in Louisiana last year. However, CDC officials rate human risk as low due to limited evidence of transmission between humans.
Backyard poultry owners are advised to take precautions such as handwashing to prevent transmission. The California Department of Public Health has reported 38 human cases nationwide, over half of the total 67 cases.
To reduce the spread of bird flu, simple biosecurity measures can be taken, including washing hands before and after handling birds or their eggs, and disinfecting footwear after walking in areas with poultry and birds. If you encounter sick or dead birds, alert a veterinarian or call the state’s Sick Bird Hotline (866-922-BIRD) to report.
Source: https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/02/06/first-h5n1-bird-flu-case-confirmed-in-san-mateo-backyard-flock