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California is grappling with an intensifying outbreak of avian influenza A (H5N1), which has not only devastated the state’s dairy and poultry industries but also led to a growing number of human infections. State officials confirmed two new human cases on Monday in Los Angeles and Stanislaus counties, bringing California’s total to 36—more than half of the 65 cases reported nationwide, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Both new cases involved individuals exposed to infected livestock at worksites. They experienced mild symptoms and were treated with antiviral medications, according to county health departments. However, health officials believe the actual number of infections may be higher, as local confirmations often lag in federal reporting.
A Crisis in Agriculture
The bird flu outbreak has spread rapidly through California’s dairy farms, infecting 659 of the state’s 984 operations since August. One-quarter of these cases were reported in just the past month, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency last week.
“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” Newsom said.
California’s status as the largest dairy-producing state has made it particularly vulnerable. The outbreak has slashed milk production, with November’s output dropping 9.2% compared to the same month last year, marking the steepest decline on record. This has contributed to a 1% dip in national milk production, raising concerns over the availability and cost of dairy products nationwide.
State veterinarians are now testing California’s 1.7 million cows weekly. Infected livestock face dire outcomes; while the virus kills 90% to 100% of poultry, it also has a mortality rate of up to 2% in cows, with survivors often unable to fully recover.
The poultry industry is also reeling, with 51 commercial operations and nine backyard flocks impacted statewide. Authorities have implemented quarantines and stringent testing measures to curb the virus’ spread.
Economic and Public Health Implications
The outbreak has rippled through the economy and public health sectors. Wastewater monitoring has detected the virus in Bay Area locations, including San Francisco, Napa, and San Jose, though state epidemiologists believe some detections stem from the disposal of contaminated milk.
The virus has also appeared in unexpected places. Los Angeles County reported two cases of infection in domestic cats that consumed contaminated raw milk. County officials warned against feeding pets raw food after testing found the virus in samples from a recalled pet food brand.
Worker safety has become a pressing issue, with over 4 million pieces of personal protective equipment distributed to agricultural workers. However, some employees have refrained from testing or reporting symptoms due to fears of wage loss, according to Elizabeth Strater of the United Farm Workers.
“Right now, it’s a bad gamble for workers,” Strater said, calling for compensation and wage support for those testing positive.
A Race Against Time
In response to the outbreak, the USDA introduced a mandatory national milk testing program earlier this month. While experts agree this will enhance tracking of the virus, some fear it may be “too little, too late” after nine months of escalating infections.
The state is also funding 40 research projects to study the virus’ transmission. However, scientists admit significant gaps in understanding.
“Honestly, there’s probably more we don’t understand than we actually do know,” said Mike Payne, a food animal veterinarian at the University of California, Davis.
Despite reassurances that the risk to the general public remains low, the escalating crisis has underscored the urgent need for coordinated action to protect public health, the agricultural economy, and worker safety. As California battles the bird flu outbreak, the lessons learned here may prove critical in preventing similar crises elsewhere.
