Breaking News: State of Emergency Issued Over Bird Flu

6:55 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2024

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency on Wednesday in response to the growing bird flu outbreak in the state and nationwide. The decision follows a rise in bird flu cases, particularly in Southern California, where the virus has also been detected in dairy cows. This emergency proclamation comes just as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the first severe human case of bird flu in Louisiana.

According to the CDC, 16 states have reported cases of bird flu, with California being the hardest hit, accounting for more than half of the 61 human cases recorded nationwide (CDC). Other states affected by the outbreak include Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Experts advise that the risk of transmission from birds to humans is low, but people should still take precautions to minimize their risk of exposure. To reduce the risk of infection, people should:

• Avoid touching sick or dead birds
• Avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird feces
• Avoid consuming unpasteurized milk or dairy products
• Avoid eating undercooked poultry or eggs
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling birds or their environments

Regarding eggs, the CDC advises that eggs from infected farms should not be consumed raw or undercooked. However, eggs that have been properly cooked and handled are safe to eat.

As part of the emergency declaration, state and local agencies will receive funding to assist in the response to the bird flu situation.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).
• Office of the Governor of California. (2024). Governor Newsom Declares State of Emergency in Response to Bird Flu Outbreak.
• California Department of Food and Agriculture. (2024). Bird Flu Outbreak in California.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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