Bird flu is spreading rapidly in California; infected herds double over weekend

The H5N1 bird flu outbreak is escalating in California, particularly affecting dairy farms, with the number of infected herds doubling from 17 to 34 within a weekend. California, which reported its first infected herds on August 30, now ranks second in the U.S. for the most infected herds, following Colorado. In total, 232 herds across 14 states have been confirmed infected. California officials are actively testing herds that have had recent connections to the initial outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of early detection to implement biosecurity measures. Meanwhile, public health experts are investigating a puzzling case of H5N1 in a Missouri resident with no known animal exposure, raising concerns about potential human transmission. This case is part of a broader trend, as 14 human infections have been reported this year, primarily among farmworkers. Although there is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission, experts warn that the virus's spread among mammals could lead to adaptations that increase its pandemic potential.

- H5N1 bird flu cases in California dairy farms have doubled recently.

- California ranks second in the U.S. for infected herds, with 34 confirmed cases.

- Public health officials are investigating a human case of H5N1 in Missouri with no known animal contact.

- A total of 232 herds in 14 states have been infected with the bird flu.

- Experts express concern over the virus's potential to adapt and cause severe disease in humans.