A record 8.11 million at work in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties in November.

Originally Published: December 21, 2024 at 8:08 AM PST

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — California state agencies say most dairies in the state are under quarantine because of the bird flu.

Now, they are working alongside each other with local dairy farmers to help reduce exposure to H5N1 between infected cows and people.

Over 650 of the 984 dairies in the state are under quarantine because of a growing bird flu outbreak.

Although the California Department of Public Health says the risk remains low for the general public the virus kills 90% to 100% of infected poultry and about 1% to 2% of cows.

“So, while it does impact dairy herds, and it’s definitely devastating to the herd managers compared to how it acts in poultry it’s much less severe,” says Dr. Annette M. Jones, the state veterinarian and director of the animal health and food safety services with California Department of Food and Agriculture.

In Southern California more dairies have recently tested positive for the bird flu.

The health department and California Department of farm and Agriculture say they have also seen cases in cats.

“LA County has reported two domestic cats who have been confirmed to have consumed raw milk that was infected. We’re seeing a lot of neurological diseases and feline species with this particular virus,” mentions Dr. Erica Pan, the California State Epidemiologist and Deputy Director for the Center for Infectious Diseases at the California Department of Public Health

Doctors also confirm some wastewater in the state has tested positive for the virus.

“A lot of the pasteurized milk that can be PCR positive, you know, and again, we know pasteurized milk is safe, any virus fragments in there are not infectious, but they can still test positive in the wastewater,” explains Dr. Erica Pan.

“So, we think actually a lot of our wastewater detections are from residential or other commercial milk dumping or down in the sinks.”

So far, the state has handed out over four million pieces of PPE and says the state of emergency declaration allows them to expand their workforce and better monitor and respond to situations.

“We are really focusing on those who are at highest risk, which is people working with infected animals. Which is why we are focusing as well on education outreach and providing personal protective gear. The only other tip I would remind people to do is avoid touching wild sick animals, or dead animals,” says Dr. Pan.

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What’s New

An incoming atmospheric river will bring 25-foot waves to the coastline in central California early next week, as well as heavy rain and strong winds.

Why It Matters

The Pacific Northwest is known for its atmospheric rivers, particularly during the winter months. The storms bring heavy rain and snow, typically to Oregon, Washington and California. Though the moisture-laden storms can help alleviate drought, they also pose life-threatening risks from mudslides and floods.

Back-to-back atmospheric rivers have already hit the West Coast this month, including one that brought heavy rain and strong winds to Washington and Oregon earlier this week.

Another few storms will barrel into the West Coast this weekend, with meteorologists expecting their impact to stretch further south into California. In addition to precipitation, the storm will spur large, dangerous waves that will break along the coast.

What to Know

The high surf advisory will go into effect early Saturday morning. It stretches from Cloverdale to Monterey, according to a map from the National Weather Service (NWS).

Some of the advisories expire on Sunday, though the high surf advisory issued by the Los Angeles NWS office will remain in effect throughout next week.

Large, breaking waves are possible, along with dangerous rip currents. The biggest threat for large waves will be on west and northwest-facing beaches.

The highest forecast waves could hit up to 25 feet tall for Central Coast beaches from Monday into Tuesday. Waves will likely be smaller for the Santa Barbara South Coast beaches, reaching up to 12 feet on Monday and Tuesday. Ventura County beaches could see breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet with local set as high as 17 feet on Monday night into Tuesday.

What People Are Saying

NWS meteorologist Devin Black told Newsweek: “The storm system is generating winds. Pacific systems that come through our area tend to build way back west, and that allows the swells to really build.

“Average waves for Central Coast beaches are around 5 to 8 feet this time of year, meaning the incoming waves will be “pretty significant.”

NWS Los Angeles in a high surf advisory: “There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.”

NWS San Francisco in a hydrologic outlook: “The storm door is wide open with a very active storm track forecast to impact Northern California. Wet and unsettled weather will bring periods of light to moderate rainfall to the region with the biggest impact expected over the North Bay.”

What Happens Next

The storms expected to hit the Golden State this weekend will “prime the soils” for storms to come later next week, potentially leading to dangerous water rises in area creeks and streams, the hydrologic outlook warned. Residents in the impacted area are urged to keep an eye on NWS weather alerts as the storms arrive, given that the storm set to hit Monday is “gearing up to be the strongest and wettest of the series.”