Newsom declares bird flu emergency in California

For nearly three years, the bird flu has devastated poultry farms across the U.S. and California. The virus has since spread among cattle and there have been 34 confirmed human cases in the state — mostly among poultry and dairy workers — since the spring. 

While there have been no known cases of human-to-human transmission so far, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday issued an emergency proclamation to combat the spread of the virus and provide state and local agencies “additional flexibility around staffing, contracting, and other rules to support California’s evolving response.”

• Newsom, in a statement: “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.”

In California most of the outbreak has been concentrated in Tulare County, the nation’s biggest milk producer, where there have been 18 human bird flu cases. In a statement, Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo, a Visalia Republican who represents parts of Tulare, blasted Newsom for his “inaction” and failure to fund adequate testing. The virus has also shown up in at least 17 wastewater systems. 

Farmworkers have reported flu-like symptoms and pink eye, and one Alameda County child had mild upper respiratory symptoms. Local health departments and farms have responded by distributing personal protective equipment, but worker advocates argue the state isn’t doing enough and testing for infected cattle has been slow.

But even if you don’t work near livestock, the bird flu could still affect your life. Maurice Pitesky, an associate professor at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, says the outbreak could have huge ramifications “when it comes to food security.”

• Pitesky: “Egg prices are near historic highs. … This ultimately affects the animal protein we can produce, and the ability of these farmers to survive. This is historic, we never had anything like this before.”

Pitesky also cited a study funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in Science earlier this month that found that a single mutation of the virus could lead to a much more infectious variant among humans.

To protect yourself, Pitesky suggests avoiding drinking raw milk. And if you raise chickens in your backyard (there are an estimated 100,000 “backyard poultry premises” in the state), you should wash your hands regularly and have dedicated clothing that is only worn outside.

Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here.