Newsom declares a bird flu emergency in California

For nearly three years, bird flu has devastated poultry farms across the United States and California. The virus has since spread among cattle, and 34 human cases have been confirmed in the state since the spring — mostly among poultry and dairy workers.

Although there are no known cases of human-to-human transmission, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an emergency declaration on Wednesday to combat the spread of the virus and provide state and local governments with “additional flexibility in staffing, contracting, etc.,” according to state and local government rules Supporting California’s evolving response.”

• Newsomin a statement: “Building on California’s testing and surveillance system – the largest in the country – we are committed to continuing to protect public health, support our agricultural industry and ensure Californians have access to accurate, timely information. “”

In California, the outbreak was mostly concentrated in Tulare County, the country’s largest milk producer, where there were 18 cases of human bird flu. In a statement, Rep. Alexandra Macedo, a Visalia Republican who represents parts of Tulare, criticized Newsom for his “inaction” and failure to fund adequate testing. The virus has also appeared in at least 17 sewage systems.

Farmworkers reported flu-like symptoms and conjunctivitis, and an Alameda County child had mild upper respiratory symptoms. Local health departments and farms responded by distributing personal protective equipment, but worker advocates argue the state is not doing enough and testing for infected cattle has been slow.

But even if you don’t work around farm animals, bird flu can affect your life. Maurice Pitesky, an associate professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, says the outbreak could have a huge impact “when it comes to food security.”

• Pitesky: “Egg prices are near historic highs. …This ultimately impacts the animal protein we can produce and the ability of these farmers to survive. This is historic, we’ve never had anything like this before.”

Pitesky also cited a study funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in Science Earlier this month, it was discovered that a single mutation of the virus could lead to a much more contagious variant in humans.

To protect yourself, Pitesky recommends avoiding consuming raw milk. And if you raise chickens in your backyard (there are an estimated 100,000 “backyard poultry houses” in the state), you should wash your hands regularly and wear special clothing that is only worn outside.

Let’s move on to some news from the education sector:

• Civics: This year, lawmakers failed to pass two bills aimed at increasing student civic engagement. Schools that serve low-income students are less likely to provide a robust civics education because they typically do not have the resources to support extracurricular activities that strengthen civics education, such as student councils and student newspapers. Read more from CalMatters K-12 education reporter Carolyn Jones.

• Protests on campus: The fallout from the spring demonstrations and pro-Palestinian camps that erupted on college campuses to protest the Gaza war continues. In September, lawmakers passed a measure requiring the University of California and California State University to establish training so students know “what constitutes violent, harassing, intimidating, or discriminatory behavior….” Meanwhile, some of the approximately 560 students and faculty who were disciplined or arrested are still facing charges or are suing their campuses. Read more from June Hsu and Lizzy Rager from CalMatters’ College Journalism Network.

Californians who buy a defective car will have to comply with an updated version of the state’s “lemon law” starting Jan. 1. But lawmakers are already working on a proposal that would allow automakers to deviate from the new rules. Hear why from CalMatters Digital Democracy reporter Ryan Sabalow.