In response to the rapid spread of the H5N1 bird flu among dairy cattle, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency. The declaration comes as two more dairy workers have been infected, and the CDC confirms the first severe cases in the U.S. The outbreak has triggered quarantine measures across over 650 dairies in the state. Health officials state that while the overall risk to the public remains low, the alarming mutation of the virus raises concerns about a potential pandemic. Experts warn that the situation draws parallels to past health crises, emphasizing the need for preparedness as the threat of bird flu looms over the agricultural sector.