California dairy herds hit by H5N1 bird flu outbreak

California has reported three new outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu in dairy herds located in the Central Valley, raising the total number of infected farms in the state to six. This announcement coincides with a human infection case in Missouri, which is under investigation as the individual had no known ties to farming. This marks the 14th human case of H5N1 reported in the U.S. this year, highlighting the virus's potential to affect humans despite its low risk to the general population. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that this is the first detection of H5 through the national flu surveillance system. The California Department of Food and Agriculture indicated that the newly affected herds were part of a targeted testing group due to their connections with previously infected farms. Nationwide, 201 herds across 14 states have been impacted, with an additional case reported in Michigan. In response to the outbreaks, the affected dairies have been quarantined, and enhanced biosecurity measures have been implemented to curb the virus's spread. Officials have reassured the public that the milk supply and dairy products remain safe, emphasizing that pasteurization effectively inactivates the virus. None of the infected farms are involved in raw milk production, which further mitigates risk to consumers. The situation underscores the importance of surveillance and rapid response in managing animal health crises. The agriculture department's proactive measures aim to identify and contain outbreaks early, ensuring the safety of the food supply and public health.