Last month, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency over the spread of bird flu, which is affecting dairy cattle in California. 

According to Kim Hernandez, the Division Director of Health Services for Kern County Public Health Department, the virus primarily spreads among birds, including wild migratory birds, poultry, and, in some cases, dairy cattle. People are at higher risk of infection when in direct contact with sick animals, particularly in the dairy and poultry industries.

Hernandez spoke to Kern Sol News to share information about the bird flu. 

Last month, the governor issued a state of emergency regarding the bird flu. Can you tell me about the bird flu, its risks, and how likely someone could get it?

Hernandez: The risk of bird flu to the general population remains low. We do see a slightly higher risk in people who are working with sick animals, people who work in wildlife, people who work in poultry farms or with dairy cattle because that’s where we have been seeing the bird flu circulate for the most part. For the general public,  there’s not a lot of risk in day to day activities.

With the governor putting out a state of emergency that public health emergency was really more about moving resources or allowing the state to be able to contract quickly to get to the appropriate staffing that they need to and so, you know, there isn’t a lot that’s changing sort of at a local level about what’s going on with bird flu.

There have been 66 human cases across the United States, 37 in California. We’ve had four cases here in Kern County residence. Dairy cattle in California have been sort of the main mode of transmission in California. Those were first detected around August.

Several dairies throughout California have had infected cows, and most of the people identified with bird flu have been in direct contact with sick cows. However, bird flu has also been found in wild birds, particularly migrating birds, as well as in poultry flocks. For wild birds, we generally recommend that people stay away from wild animals, especially if they appear sick.

In poultry, there have been a couple of detections, so individuals who work with poultry should remain vigilant. A lot of the information being disseminated has been targeted toward people who work with or may come into contact with potentially sick animals.

There has also been extensive monitoring across the state, which has been a standard practice even before the emergence of bird flu. Significant biosecurity efforts were already in place around dairy cattle and poultry. With the advent of bird flu, however, these measures have been further enhanced to mitigate risks effectively.

Are animals the most likely to be affected by the bird flu?

Hernandez: Right now, the original mechanism of transmission for bird flu was through wild birds, particularly waterfowl, traditionally those migrating through different flyways. If a bird in a migratory pattern became infected, it could pass the virus to other birds, facilitating its spread to different areas in the United States.

We observed a number of poultry flocks becoming infected, starting back in 2022. However, no cases were detected in California until 2024. Poultry has been a primary mechanism of transmission, as bird flu primarily circulates among birds. However, it has also been found to infect humans.

In addition, several dairy cows across the United States have been infected, particularly in California, which has a large dairy industry. As a result, several counties and communities in the state have been affected by cases of bird flu in cows.

In general, humans are more likely to have direct and frequent contact with dairy cattle than with poultry, as daily work often involves close proximity to cattle. This higher level of interaction is one reason why the majority of cases in California have been among people who have had direct contact with sick cattle.

What are some symptoms of bird flu for people who work around cattle?

Hernandez:  The most common symptom of bird flu has been conjunctivitis, characterized by red, watery, or discharge-filled eyes. This is often the main symptom that leads people to suspect they might have bird flu.

Other symptoms are very similar to those of regular seasonal flu, including a cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and fever. During flu season, these symptoms can be more challenging to distinguish from regular flu.

We strongly encourage anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms to consult their healthcare provider, especially if they also have red or watery eyes and have been exposed or potentially exposed to sick animals. It’s important to inform the healthcare provider about the exposure so they can take the necessary precautions. This information also helps guide the provider in determining the appropriate tests and treatments, if necessary.

How should people protect themselves from bird flu?

Hernandez: When discussing bird flu specifically, one of the most important recommendations for the general public is to avoid contact with sick animals. This applies to wild animals as well as livestock, such as dairy cattle or poultry.

For individuals who must interact with sick animals—for example, to care for them—it is crucial to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Eye protection, such as goggles or a face shield, is essential to prevent splashes or droplets from reaching the eyes. Respiratory protection, like an N95 mask, is also important, along with gloves, coveralls, boots, and head covers to minimize the risk of the virus transferring to your body or clothing.

Hand hygiene is critical, especially after contact with sick animals or contaminated surfaces. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, or touching your face, including your eyes, nose, or mouth.

These preventive measures are essential for bird flu but are also generally applicable to respiratory illnesses, such as seasonal flu, that spread among people. However, in the case of bird flu, it’s particularly important to avoid contact with sick animals, as well as any dust or droplets they might produce, since this is the primary mode of human infection.

Is there anything else you’d like to share regarding bird flu?

Hernandez: If you suspect exposure to bird flu and develop symptoms, seek medical advice immediately. We also encourage everyone aged six months and older to get their seasonal flu vaccine. While it doesn’t prevent bird flu, it can reduce complications, helping distinguish between seasonal and bird flu symptoms. Vaccination can ease the evaluation process and improve overall health.