California Declares Emergency Over Bird Flu Outbreak in Dairy Cows, Experts Stress Low Human Risk

From Cows to Concern: Bird Flu Spurs Action, But Experts Say No Need to Panic (Yet)

California has declared a state of emergency in response to a bird flu outbreak affecting 645 dairy farms since August, with additional cases reported in 15 other states. The H5N1 virus, responsible for avian influenza, has primarily impacted livestock, but health officials emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low. Despite concerns about the rapid spread among dairy herds, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reassured that the virus poses minimal threat to human health at this time.

Experts caution that those working closely with animals, such as dairy farm workers, are at a higher risk of exposure and should use personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves. While most human cases reported this year have been mild—resulting in symptoms like pink eye, fever, and muscle aches—on Wednesday, the CDC confirmed the first severe case of H5N1 in the U.S., involving a patient in Louisiana who was exposed to backyard flocks. However, this case was linked to a bird strain, not the variant affecting cows.

Health authorities also addressed concerns about the safety of milk. Pasteurized milk remains safe for consumption, but officials warn against consuming raw milk, especially after two California producers recalled products due to contamination. “This could be a problem—don’t completely write it off,” said Matthew Moore, a food science professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Despite the ongoing outbreak, experts stress there’s no cause for public panic, but vigilance is necessary to monitor potential mutations of the virus.

Source: The New York Times