California Gov. Gavin Newsom declares State of Emergency due to bird flu
SUMMARY
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency today in response to the spread of bird flu, specifically the H5N1 avian influenza, which has affected 16 states, including California. The declaration is aimed at 'streamlining the state's efforts to control and mitigate the outbreak', which has expanded beyond the Central Valley to include dairy cows in Southern California. While there have been no cases of human-to-human transmission, nearly all infected individuals in California have had exposure to infected cattle. 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."
