California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency to bolster the state’s response to the ongoing bird flu outbreak affecting dairy cattle across 16 states, including California. The move comes after cases were detected in Southern California farms, prompting the need for enhanced monitoring and coordination.
To date, no human-to-human transmission of Bird Flu has been reported in California, with nearly all infected individuals linked to exposure to infected cattle. The state has established a comprehensive testing and monitoring system, the largest in the nation, to address the outbreak.
The emergency proclamation provides state agencies with flexibility in staffing, contracting, and other areas to support the response efforts. Governor Newsom stated that this action will enable government agencies to respond quickly to the outbreak while protecting public health, supporting agriculture, and providing accurate information to Californians.
California has taken proactive measures to prevent the spread of Bird Flu, including distributing millions of pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to high-risk workers at dairy farms. The state is also working closely with federal agencies, local health officials, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to monitor cases, investigate potential outbreaks, and provide education on prevention and control measures.
The bird flu outbreak in the US began in January 2022, with initial detections in wild birds in South Carolina and California. The virus has since spread across 16 states, including a confirmed case in Central California earlier this month. With no human-to-human transmission reported in California, officials remain focused on containing the spread of the virus while keeping Californians informed through timely public updates and education campaigns.
Source: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/12/18/governor-newsom-takes-proactive-action-to-strengthen-robust-state-response-to-bird-flu