California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency due to H5N1, better known as avian influenza or bird flu.

According to the press release on the governor’s website, the emergency follows an outbreak of the virus in dairy cows on farms in Southern California.

After first being reported in Texas and Kansas in March, bird flu has been confirmed in cattle in 16 U.S. states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported.

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There have been no cases of human transmission of bird flu in California, the release said, with all infections linked to contact with infected cattle.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency due to H5N1, better known as avian influenza or bird flu. (iStock)

“This proclamation is a targeted measure to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement.

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“Building on California’s testing and surveillance system – the largest in the country – we are committed to further protecting public health, supporting our agricultural industry and ensuring Californians have access to accurate, timely information,” he continued .

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“Although the risk to the public remains low, we will continue to take all necessary measures to prevent the spread of this virus.”

“This proclamation is a targeted measure to ensure government agencies have the resources and flexibility they need to respond quickly to this outbreak,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement. (Mario Tama)

Also on Wednesday, the first case of severe avian influenza in a human patient was confirmed in Louisiana, according to the CDC.

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The health agency maintains that “the current risk to public health is low,” but said it is “closely monitoring the situation.”