California, Dec 19 (V7N) — A state of emergency has been declared in California following a significant surge in bird flu cases, Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday. The decision comes after the detection of the bird flu virus in milk from cows in Southern California, raising concerns about the spread of the disease.

The emergency declaration, reported by Reuters, aims to enable state agencies to take swift action to contain the outbreak and mitigate its effects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first case of severe bird flu in Louisiana on the same day, adding urgency to the situation.

Governor Newsom reassured the public, stating, "While the risk to the public is low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus." He emphasised that the declaration allows for a coordinated statewide response to address the crisis effectively.

Health officials in California confirmed that there have been no reported cases of person-to-person transmission of bird flu in the state. Nevertheless, the government is prioritising containment and preventive measures to protect public health.

The outbreak has prompted heightened vigilance across the region, with experts closely monitoring the situation. Authorities have urged residents to stay informed and adhere to any guidelines issued to curb the spread of the virus.

END/RH/AJ