San Bernardino County Faces H5N1 Bird Flu Alert

Categories: California Breaking NewsCalifornia HealthCalifornia News

A view of a dairy farm in San Bernardino County where H5N1 bird flu has been detected.

News Summary

San Bernardino County, California, is on alert as the H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected at four dairy farms. While the general risk of infection is relatively low, health officials advise caution and safe handling practices around animals. Symptoms of H5N1 infection, which primarily affect birds, can include fever, cough, and fatigue. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and practice good hygiene to prevent illness. The situation also impacts local agriculture, with rising egg prices and potential changes in farming operations expected.

San Bernardino County Faces H5N1 Bird Flu Alert

Residents of San Bernardino County, California, are being urged to take caution as the H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected at four dairy farms. Health officials announced this finding on March 6, 2025, reminding the public that while the general risk of infection remains relatively low, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

What is H5N1?

The H5N1 virus primarily affects birds but can spill over to other animals and, in rare cases, humans. So far, there has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission in California, which is a relief for many. However, taking precautions is strongly advised to keep everyone safe, especially if you work on or around farms.

Advice from Health Officials

San Bernardino County’s Health Officer, Sharon Wang, has pushed for residents to practice caution when handling animals or any products derived from them. Specifically, it’s suggested to avoid consuming raw milk to minimize the chance of exposure to the virus. Practicing sound food safety habits can further help to keep everyone healthy.

Know the Symptoms

Should someone become infected with H5N1, symptoms typically appear within two to eight days after exposure, although they can take as long as ten days in certain cases. Symptoms include:

Eye redness or discharge
Cough or sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Diarrhea or vomiting
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Difficulty breathing
Fever

Stay Safe and Informed

Residents are highly encouraged to stay up-to-date with vaccinations for respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. In crowded places, wearing masks and keeping up good hand hygiene are also recommended practices to reduce the risk of illness.

Understanding the Broader Impact

San Bernardino County is no stranger to agriculture, having approximately 809 farms in 2022, which include at least 63 registered egg handlers. The recent H5N1 outbreak significantly impacted egg prices, which reached new heights in January 2025. As a result, the community may see some changes in how local farms operate moving forward.

What’s Next?

With the detection of H5N1 in domestic animals—earlier this year, four black rats in neighboring Riverside County were found infected—there’s increasing concern about how the virus might evolve. Experts warn that each infection in mammals presents a potential for the virus to mutate, which raises significant health concerns.

Need More Information?

If you’re curious or worried about what to do, the California Department of Public Health has more details available online. Additionally, for any inquiries, residents can reach out to the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health’s Communicable Disease Section at 800-722-4794 during business hours or 800-472-2376 after hours and on weekends.

As we navigate this situation together, it’s essential to stay informed and take appropriate actions. Keeping an eye out for potential symptoms, practicing caution around animals, and following health guidance will help ensure that we can all remain safe and healthy in our vibrant community.