Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency on Dec. 18, 2024, in response to the ongoing H5N1 Avian Influenza (bird flu) outbreak. The declaration is intended to help state agencies respond more effectively by streamlining resources and operations.
“This emergency declaration ensures agencies have the tools needed to respond quickly,” said Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County Public Health Officer. “The risk to the general public remains very low at this time, and we are working closely with state and local partners to monitor and manage the situation.”
Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) is actively monitoring the bird flu situation locally and coordinating with state and federal agencies. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow precautions to protect themselves and their families.
Health officials recommend avoiding contact with wild birds, as even healthy-looking birds can carry the virus. If you work with animals potentially exposed to bird flu, use protective equipment such as N95 masks, gloves, and eye protection. Additionally, while the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against bird flu, getting vaccinated can reduce the risk of severe illness and coinfection. Officials also advise sticking to pasteurized dairy products and avoiding raw milk or milk products from animals suspected to be infected. Pets should not be fed raw milk products either.
Bird flu typically spreads through close contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces. Human cases of bird flu are rare but can occur in individuals, such as farmworkers, who work closely with poultry or dairy cattle. No person-to-person transmission has been detected in California.
If you have been in close contact with infected animals, monitor yourself for symptoms over the following 10 days. Symptoms to watch for include fever, fatigue, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny nose, trouble breathing, chest discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or red and irritated eyes (conjunctivitis). Should symptoms develop, isolate yourself immediately and contact SCPH to report the illness. Work with SCPH and your healthcare provider for further guidance.
Globally, bird flu continues to spread through wild bird populations, with outbreaks reported in poultry and dairy herds across the United States. While human cases remain exceedingly rare, California health officials are collaborating with local agencies to monitor and control the virus’s spread.
Sacramento County Public Health will provide updates as new information becomes available. For the latest details, visit CDPH’s bird flu webpage, which is updated daily.