Bird flu: California health officials say overall risk to public remains low, but caution is best

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — California health officials updated the public Friday on the spread of bird flu in the state during a virtual news conference.

“The overall risk to the public remains low: 35 of our 36 human cases in California are the direct result of exposure to infected cattle,” said Dr. Erica Pan of the California Department of Public Health.

The press conference comes just days after Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency over bird flu.

The virus is ravaging poultry and dairy farms across the state. It’s a problem. Health officials say they are working hard to get it under control.

MORE: Governor Gavin Newsom declares state of emergency in response to bird flu

“The primary approach for everyone is state veterinary quarantine and disease control zones to limit movement of animals, products and equipment,” said Dr. Annette Jones of the California Department of Food and agriculture.

All but one of the human cases of bird flu have affected farmworkers in California.

However, more cases are starting to emerge across the country of people infected without having contact with animals – a fact that worries many health officials.

“People might ask why is this a public health emergency in California? And the answer is very simple. We need more land than we currently have,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong.

MORE: Oakland Zoo takes steps to prevent bird flu, vaccinates California condors

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong is an infectious disease specialist at UCSF.

He says that while the risk to the general population is low at present, the more the virus spreads, the more likely it is to mutate to allow person-to-person transmission.

“The virus has not yet figured out the best way to enter bodies. But the more transmissions there are, the more it will eventually figure it out,” Chin-Hong said.

And with the virus showing no signs of slowing down, Dr. Chin-Hong says he’s also encouraging people to stay away from fads like drinking raw milk.

“The risk is changing. It’s not the same as it was a month or six months ago. And generally yes, it’s a little risky,” Chin-Hong said.

A total of 5,000 people in California were monitored for possible exposure to bird flu.