On December 18th Governor Gavin Newsom issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency relating to extensive outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in poultry flocks and dairy herds within the state accompanied by infection of farm workers.
The gravity of the situation is evidenced by over 675 and dairy herds confirmed with bovine inflluenza-H5N1 from August 30th through December 15th.
The state has lost in excess of 4 million hens in the spring and fall waves of avian influenza in cluding numerous broiler, duck and turkey flocks under the Pacific Flyway
Recognizing the gravity of the HPAI situation in the state, the State of Emergency requires: -
- The Office of Emergency Services to implement a state emergency plan to combat HPAI, requiring compliance by all residents of the state with the directions of emergency officials.
- Acquisition of PPE to be expedited and resources mobilized requiring suspension of certain provisions of the Government Code and the Public Contract Code.
- Relaxation of conditions of employment of personnel including work hour limitations to combat HPAI. Restrictions on hours of employment will be suspended to increase availability of manpower during the State of Emergency.