Newsom declares state of emergency in California over bird flu

California became the first state in the country on Wednesday to declare a statewide emergency over the H5N1 bird flu. 

With federal data showing the Golden State is home to over half of the reported human cases of bird flu across the U.S., Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) issued a proclamation “to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak.”

“This proclamation is a targeted action to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak. While the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus,” Newsom said in a statement.

Gov. Gavin Newsom walks down the aisle at

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