By Ricardo Roura
Dec 18, 2024, 18:59 PM EST
California declared this Wednesday, December 18, the state of emergency due to bird flu.
In a press release, the office of California Governor Gavin Newsomsaid a state of emergency was proclaimed to streamline and accelerate the state’s response to the continued spread of avian flu.
This declaration of the state of emergency occurs less than a month after bird flu virus was detected in samples of raw milk sold in Californiaso it is necessary to expand monitoring and state coordination to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus.
Keep reading: The first serious case of bird flu in the US is confirmed in Louisiana.
Officials said that, to date, No human-to-human transmission of bird flu has been detected in California.and almost all infected people were in contact with infected livestock.
“This proclamation is an action aimed at ensuring that government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak“Newsom said in the statement.
“Based on California’s testing and monitoring system, the largest in the country, we are committed to further protecting public healthsupport our agricultural industry and ensure that Californians have access to accurate and up-to-date information,” he added.
Keep reading: Bird flu detected in Michigan poultry farm
Newsom said that while the risk to the public remains low, they will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of the bird flu virus.
Recently, two Los Angeles County cats died after consuming raw milk that has been recalled, while A child from Northern California tested positive for the virus, becoming the first child in the United States to be infected.. It is not known if the minor drank milk taken off the market.
Keep reading: 5 animals die after bird flu infections in Arizona
The bird flu virus was first detected in Texas and Kansas in March 2024 and has spread to 16 states among dairy cattle.
Keep reading:
· Bird flu: US to begin expanded testing of milk supply
· Bird flu virus detected in California raw milk and product removed from the market
· CDC calls for expanded bird flu testing