California Governor Gavin Newsom declares an urgent response as health concerns escalate across the state.
According to the Daily Mail, California has declared a state of emergency for H5N1 bird flu amid growing fears of potential human transmission following a major outbreak among cattle that has already affected dozens of dairy workers.
The emergency declaration comes as the state grapples with H5N1 infections in 645 dairy herds since late August, with nearly half of these cases reported in the last 30 days. The rapid spread has triggered heightened concern among health officials, particularly after Louisiana reported its first severe human case of H5N1, marking a significant escalation in the virus's impact across the United States.
The emergency order enables California to mobilize additional resources and streamline efforts to contain the outbreak. Governor Newsom emphasized that this targeted action would provide government agencies with the necessary flexibility and resources. The declaration also facilitates expedited hiring of staff and procurement of essential supplies, including testing materials and personal protective equipment.
Governor Newsom stated:
This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak. 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.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that while the risk to the general public remains low, continued vigilance is essential. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, which would be necessary for a large-scale outbreak to occur.
The United States has documented 61 official human cases since 2023, with seven additional probable cases under investigation. Of these confirmed cases, 37 have been linked to interaction with infected cattle, while the remaining infections were traced to either diseased birds or unknown sources.
The outbreak has now spread beyond California's borders, affecting 865 infected herds across 16 states. Experts warn that unchecked spread could lead to viral mutations, potentially increasing the virus's ability to infect humans effectively.
The federal government has taken precautionary measures by maintaining a stockpile of approximately 20 million bird flu vaccines, which officials claim are well-matched to the current H5N1 strain. Additionally, the capacity exists to produce 100 million more vaccines if necessary, along with supplies of antiviral medications like oseltamivir.
Washington state has reported the second-highest number of H5N1 infections in people with 11 cases, followed by Colorado with 10 cases. The situation has prompted increased monitoring of raw milk production, as California is one of two states that have issued recalls after contamination was discovered.
Health officials are investigating a case involving a child in California who may have contracted the virus through raw milk consumption. This development has raised additional concerns about transmission routes and the need for enhanced safety measures in dairy production.
The World Health Organization and other experts have criticized the U.S. response to the outbreak, describing it as a pandemic "unfolding in slow motion." Until recently, testing of cattle and exposed individuals was largely voluntary, highlighting gaps in the surveillance system.
California's emergency declaration represents a critical step in addressing the escalating H5N1 bird flu crisis, which has affected hundreds of dairy herds and dozens of workers across the state. The situation has become increasingly urgent following Louisiana's report of its first severe human case. The state's response includes enhanced testing capabilities, increased monitoring systems, and emergency resource allocation, while federal authorities maintain vaccine stockpiles and antiviral medications.
