California gov Gavin Newsom declares state of emergency over bird flu

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency due to an outbreak of bird flu. The virus, avian influenza A (H5N1), was first found in US wild birds in January 2022.

It has since spread, with the first California case in dairy cows recorded on August 30, 2024. Currently, 61 dairies across nine Central California counties have positive test results. Testing efforts have expanded statewide following positive cases in Southern California dairies. Newsom emphasized that "all residents are to obey the direction of emergency officials with regard to this emergency in order to protect their safety."