By Scout Nelson
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has announced two new presumptive cases of H5 avian flu in dairy workers, bringing the state’s total to five in recent weeks if confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The cases were reported from the Central Valley and have no known links, suggesting only animal-to-human transmission is occurring.
The CDPH also stated that the CDC has confirmed California’s third recent case of avian flu, which was identified through state testing. The patients, including the latest, have all experienced mild symptoms such as eye redness and discharge (conjunctivitis), with no hospitalizations reported.
Federal health officials have praised California for its proactive approach in monitoring and responding to the outbreak, ensuring quick follow-ups on any potential cases.
If confirmed, these two new cases will bring the national total to 19 this year. Most cases have been linked to contact with sick cows or poultry, except for one patient in Missouri.
Meanwhile, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed 13 more H5N1 outbreaks among California dairy farms, raising the state's total to 96 since late August. California, the largest dairy producer in the country, is now the hardest-hit state.
In an ongoing investigation into how the virus is spreading, recent tests from harvested wild birds in Tulare County revealed positive H5N1 cases in several bird species, including starlings and blackbirds.
As the situation develops, efforts to contain and monitor the outbreak across the state continue.
Photo Credit:usda
Categories: Minnesota, Livestock, Dairy Cattle, Poultry