California has declared a state of emergency due to increasing H5N1 avian influenza cases among dairy cattle and a recently reported severe human case in Louisiana. Governor Newsom's proclamation aims to ensure that state agencies have the resources to combat the outbreak, particularly as 34 confirmed human cases have emerged in California. Since the virus's detection in 2022, it has affected over 860 dairy herds across 16 states. Health officials maintain that the risk to the general public remains low despite rising infections.