State of emergency declared in California due to bird flu
Find out what H5N1 bird flu is and how it affects California. Learn about the measures taken by Governor Gavin Newsom.
2024-12-19T17:00:19+00:00
- What is H5N1 bird flu?
- How is this outbreak affecting California?
- Is there a risk for humans?
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak of the H5N1 virus, known as bird flu.
This decision comes after confirmation of cases among dairy cows on farms in the south of the state, according to an official statement.
«This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure that government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to quickly respond to this outbreak,» Newsom said in a statement.
«Building on California’s testing and monitoring system, the largest in the country, we are committed to further protecting public health.»
California in state of emergency due to bird flu
BREAKING: Governor Newsom declares state of emergency in California due to bird flu pic.twitter.com/uWOBGuP0DX
— TaraBull (@TaraBull808) December 18, 2024
“Support our agricultural industry and ensure Californians have access to accurate and up-to-date information,” the governor continued.
«While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of this virus.»
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H5N1 was initially detected in March in Texas and Kansas.
Since then, it has spread to 16 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported.
In California, cases of bird flu have only been identified in livestock, with no transmission to humans so far.
However, on Wednesday, the first serious case in a human patient was confirmed in Louisiana, sparking national concern.
The CDC assures that «the current risk to public health is low.»
However, they stressed that they are monitoring the situation carefully, especially after the confirmed human case.
What does it mean for the population?
BREAKING
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a State of Emergency in California due to Bird Flu outbreaks in dairy cattle.
The outbreak has spread to 641 dairies across 9 counties. Testing, quarantine, and worker safety measures are underway. pic.twitter.com/RfldXtgeMZ
— Los Angeles Magazine (@LAmag) December 18, 2024
Meanwhile, California authorities are working to contain the outbreak and minimize possible impacts on the livestock industry.
Although there are no human infections in California, the emergency declaration allows resources to be allocated to control the outbreakaccording to Fox News.
It is important to follow the recommendations of health authorities and avoid contact with infected animals.
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