The California Department of Public Health has reported the first case of bird flu transmitted from a dairy herd to a farm worker in the state. The farm worker in California’s Central Valley is experiencing mild symptoms.

This case marks the 16th bird flu infection from livestock to humans in the U.S. this year. The worker is being treated with antiviral medication and is recovering at home. California is the leading milk producer in the U.S. It has seen bird flu outbreaks in its dairy herds since late August, with more than 55 herds affected.

Authorities emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low. Preventive measures such as wearing protective gear are advised for those in contact with infected animals. Bird flu has caused significant livestock losses, killing over 100 million birds since early 2022, predominantly affecting egg-laying hens and turkeys raised for meat.

Read more on the bird flu outbreak in dairy herds here.