Amid the concerning situations rising in California due to the bird flu outbreak, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency. The governor’s decision follows the rising cases spotted in dairy farms in Southern California, raising medical concerns about the spread of the disease.
The swift decision came after the spread of the deadly bird flu disease to 16 states, including California and outside the Central Valley.
What’s the Take of Gov. Gavin on Bird Flu Emergency?
In a statement issued by Gavin, he justified the reason of announcing emergency. Gavin stated, “This proclamation is a focused effort to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility necessary for a swift response to the outbreak. By leveraging California’s extensive testing and monitoring system, we are dedicated to enhancing public health protection, supporting the agriculture industry, and providing Californians with accurate, up-to-date information. While the public risk remains low, we will continue to take all required actions to prevent the further spread of the virus.”
Reports noted the initial cases were found in Kansas and Texas, in March around dairy cattle in 16 states. So far, there has been no registration of any human case.
Why State of Emergency?
The Newsom’s government noted that a State of Emergency will grant state and local agencies greater flexibility in areas such as hiring, contracting, and other regulations to support the state’s response efforts. The officials of California public health cited that it is rare for a human to get in contact of bird flu viruses.
However, the virus can get into a person’s eyes, nose, mouth or when inhaled. Infections can also occur if a person comes in contact with infected birds and animals, without any protection. People who have close or prolonged contact with infected animals are at more risk of getting infected.
How to Avoid Bird Flu Virus?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that the best prevention is to avoid exposure sources. Infected birds can shed the virus through their saliva, mucus, and feces. The CDC recommends the following actions:
- Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, and other animals; observe them only from a safe distance.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves or a mask, if you must have direct or close contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals.
- Do not touch surfaces or materials (such as animal litter or bedding) contaminated with saliva, mucus, or feces from wild or domestic birds or other animals that are infected or suspected to be infected.
- Avoid touching or consuming raw milk or raw milk products from animals with confirmed or suspected infections.
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Naina Jaggi is an author deeply rooted in Journalism, mainly writing on lifestyle, entertainment, travel, politics and financial markets. This diverse experience has allowed her to blend rich details with engaging narratives that capture the essence of various worlds. When she is not crafting tales, you’ll find her immersed in music and enjoying the company of dogs. She is also into K-dramas, thriller and horror movies that fuel her imagination, bringing the same spark to her stories.
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