California has declared a state of emergency following increasing avian flu outbreaks affecting poultry farms and dairy operations across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom made the announcement on December 18, 2024, coinciding with new reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about severe cases of the virus, including instances of human infection.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has wreaked havoc on California’s poultry industry, leading to the culling of over 4 million chickens and turkeys, according to the Fresno Bee. Amidst these alarming figures, nearly 25% of the state’s 1,100 dairies are under quarantine, including the Raw Farm dairy located in Fresno County, prompting significant concerns and recalls of raw milk products.
Newsom’s declaration aims to mobilize resources and support for farms grappling with the outbreak. "Consumers can safely enjoy turkey this holiday season," emphasized the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agency reassured the public by stating there are stringent measures ensuring food safety, including inspections and testing protocols on farms with confirmed avian influenza cases.
The avian flu virus, primarily carried by wild birds, is highly contagious among poultry and can be lethal. It is spread through infected birds' droppings, secretions, and respiratory droplets. Symptoms can range widely, with the CDC indicating illness severity can go from mild to severe, and even result in death.
Health authorities are particularly vigilant as human infections, though rare, have been documented. The CDC has underscored the importance of ensuring food safety during this outbreak, declaring, "Illness from avian influenza virus infections have ranged... to severe disease," warning consumers about the potential risks.
According to the USDA, the risk of contaminated poultry or eggs reaching consumers is low during such outbreaks. Their confidence stems from the fact poultry from positive farms is not sent for slaughter but instead destroyed on-site. This rapid response reduces the likelihood of infected products entering the food market.
Linda J. Harris, professor at UC Davis specializing in microbial food safety, offers practical guidelines for turkey preparation, highlighting four main steps: clean, cook, chill, and separate. She notes, "All pigs presented for slaughter are observed to insure they are healthy,” reassuring consumers about the safety of other meats as well.
The USDA also stated, “This temperature will deactivate the virus.” To prevent any health risks, they recommend cooking poultry to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which effectively eliminates any traces of avian influenza. Besides turkeys, pork products have also been subjected to rigorous scrutiny, with all ham presented for inspection ensuring safe consumption.
Past purview of poultry and pork, the safety of dairy products remains intact. Hebah Ghanem, infectious disease specialist at UCSF Fresno, indicated, “The virus is killed with heat,” meaning pasteurized dairy, which is the standard, can be safely consumed. Nevertheless, eggs remain a concern since those not pasteurized present potential health risks if consumed raw or undercooked.
The general public is advised to avoid close contact with wild birds and to exercise caution around animal feces and fluids to mitigate any potential exposure to the virus. Health experts continue to urge caution as the avian flu persists, especially during the holiday season when poultry consumption tends to increase.
Healthcare officials stress, “There is no evidence the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared food.” When consumers follow established safety practices, which include rehe ating leftovers to internal temperatures of at least 165 degrees and storing perishable items correctly, the likelihood of infection is significantly reduced.
With food safety authorities and health officials standing united on the measures and practices to mitigate risks, California’s consumers can look forward to enjoying their holiday meals with confidence. The FDA and USDA continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring the integrity of the state’s food supply as farmers combat the outbreak.
