H5N1 bird flu virus detected at 4 Southern California dairy farms
Public officials said the H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected at four dairy farms in San Bernardino County.
The risk of H5N1 infection remains “relatively low,” and no person-to-person spread of bird flu has been detected in California, the county said in an announcement on its website Thursday.
“While the risk of bird flu to the general public remains low, the detection of this virus in animals across multiple farms serves as a reminder to practice caution when handling animals or animal products,” San Bernardino County Health Officer Sharon Wang said.
The announcement did not identify the dairy farms but shared information on preventative measures and symptoms to look out for.
Preventive measures for residents and pets:
- Avoid consuming unpasteurized “raw” milk and undercooked meat.
- Wear protective clothing when working with birds, wildlife, livestock or their environments.
- Refrain from working with sick animals or those exposed to avian influenza.
- Wash hands frequently after handling animals or being in their environment.
“It’s crucial to avoid raw milk consumption and follow proper food safety practices to reduce any potential risk of exposure,” Wang said.
Symptoms of H5N1 in humans:
- Eye redness or discharge
- Cough or sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
Symptoms typically appear within two to eight days of exposure but can be up to 10 days.
More information on bird flu can be found on the California Department of Public Health’s Current Bird Flu Situation webpage.
Further questions can also be answered by contacting the S.B. County Department of Public Health’s Communicable Disease Section at 800-722-4794 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or 800-472-2376 after-hours, including weekends and holidays.