June 1, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

California Governor Declares State of Emergency Amid Bird Flu Outbreak in Dairy Cattle

Governor Newsom’s Action Expands the State’s Response to the H5N1 Virus

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency today to streamline California’s response to the ongoing outbreak of Avian influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as “Bird Flu,” which has now been detected in dairy cows across Southern California.

The virus, which has spread to 16 states, including its first confirmed cases in Texas and Kansas in March 2024, has raised concerns after being found in dairy cattle in the Golden State. Though no person-to-person transmission of the virus has been reported in California, state officials are expanding their monitoring efforts and bolstering their coordinated response to contain the virus’s spread.

Concerns about H5N1 have risen since the avian flu virus was detected in raw milk from Raw Farm multiple times and their ability to distribute new products was suspended on December 5. A second raw milk farm Valley Milk Simply Bottled’s products has been quarantined and recalled as of December 14 due to avian flu found in a raw milk bulk tank. 

Two cats in Los Angeles County who were fed raw milk from a recalled batch of milk from Raw Farms died and are suspected to have been infected with H5N1. A recent study from Stanford University reveals that influenza or flu virus can remain infectious in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days. 

“Today’s proclamation is a targeted action to ensure that our agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to act swiftly and effectively. Building on California’s testing and monitoring system—the largest in the nation—we are committed to protecting public health and supporting the agriculture industry,” Newsom said in a statement. “While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus.”

The emergency proclamation grants state and local agencies additional flexibility in staffing, contracting, and other operational aspects to enhance California’s response. This includes providing resources to strengthen monitoring and testing systems and ensuring that both the public and agricultural workers receive up-to-date information on the outbreak.

As of now, nearly all infected individuals have had direct exposure to infected cattle. No cases of the virus have been reported among humans in California, but the state continues to prioritize public safety and work alongside federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to monitor the situation.

The state has implemented a comprehensive response plan, which includes efforts to minimize exposure to farmworkers and reduce the risk of contamination in raw dairy products. California has also distributed millions of personal protective equipment (PPE) items to workers in high-risk areas and conducted public outreach campaigns aimed at educating the public on preventive measures.

California’s cross-agency collaboration involves several state entities, including the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), and the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES). Public awareness campaigns are being conducted in multiple languages and include timely updates, social media outreach, and resources for agricultural workers on proper PPE use.

In an effort to mitigate flu risks, state officials are also ensuring that agriculture workers receive additional seasonal flu vaccines from the CDC. As the situation evolves, California remains committed to providing timely information and resources to safeguard public health and the state’s agricultural industry.

Related Posts

Defensible Space, Defined: How A Plus Tree Protects Communities from Wildfire

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

In the wildfire-prone landscapes of the Western United States, safeguarding homes and communities requires proactive measures. A Plus Tree, a...

WeHo Pride Weekend Begins and 2025 Icons Announced: Parades, Concerts, and Community Celebration Kicks Off

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

Three-Day LGBTQ+ Festival Features Performances by Lizzo, Maren Morris, and Kim Petras West Hollywood is preparing to kick off its...

Palisades Village to Reopen in 2026 with Revamped Retail, Dining, and Community Spaces

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Elysewalker Set to Return With Park Reconstruction, Holiday Events, and Streetscape Upgrades Palisades Village, the open-air shopping and lifestyle destination...

Bel Air Seventh Grader Reaches Finals of Scripps National Spelling Bee

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Oliver Halkett of Mirman School Competed on Thursday for a $50,000 prize Thirteen-year-old Oliver Halkett, a seventh grader from Mirman...

(Video) Signs That Your Aging Loved Ones Are in Need of Caregiving

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

To Find Out More, Go To Safelyhomeagain.com To Find Out More, Go To https://t.co/kxgpFPbFq0 pic.twitter.com/71jDkkQBiR — BrentwoodNewsLA (@BrentwoodNewsLA) May 30,...

Brentwood Weekly Crime Report: May 18, 2025 – May 24, 2025

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

String of Burglaries Hits Brentwood; Businesses Among Targets By Matthew Kirk Brentwood has had a rash of commercial burglaries this...

Salt & Straw Unveils Summer Pie Series with Five Seasonal Ice Cream Flavors

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Five New Flavors Inspired by Classic Summer Pies Will Be Introduced Salt & Straw is giving summer a scoopable twist...

(Video) Interviews with Rick Caruso and Elyse Walker, with a Dennis Quaid cameo

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

We spoke at the Press Conference to announce plans to reopen Palisades Village Shopping Mall. Actor Dennis Quaid arrives to...

Levain Bakery Debuts ‘Levain à la Mode’ with Local Ice Cream Partners for Summer

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Seasonal Offering With Wanderlust Creamery is a First in Cookie Shop’s History For the first time in its three-decade history,...

Beverly Glen Sixth Grader Advances to Finals of National Student Cook-Off

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Twelve-Year-Old Heads to Virginia to Compete in K12 Culinary Competition Abijah Levy Minor, a 12-year-old student from Beverly Glen, has...

Sarah Paulson to Host Charity Bingo Night for Pasadena Humane Society on June 5

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Evening of Food, Wine, and Live Music to Raise Funds for Animal Rescue Efforts Emmy-winning actress Sarah Paulson will host...

Bay Cities Italian Deli Responds to Health Code Closure, Commits to Corrective Action

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Santa Monica Landmark Disputes Rodent Claims but Acknowledges Violations Bay Cities Italian Deli, a Santa Monica staple renowned for its...

Film Review: Bring Her Back

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

By Dolores Quintana Grief is the price of love.  Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou’s second feature film, Bring Her Back,...

County Assessor Stresses Need For Fire-Affected Households to Update Addresses to Receive Relief Checks

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Assessor’s Office Offers Automatic Tax Relief for Fire-Affected Homeowners Following the destruction caused by wildfires earlier this year, the Los...

Caltrans Schedules Public Meeting for $143.7 Million I-405 Rehabilitation Project

May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

Virtual Forum Set to Brief Residents on Upcoming Construction The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will hold a virtual public...