Transparency Dispute Grows as H5N1 Cases Persist in California Dairies

Two advocacy groups, California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA) and the First Amendment Coalition, have filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), alleging the agency withheld key information about the spread of H5N1 bird flu in state dairies. The groups argue that CDFA’s refusal to release data on quarantined dairies violates the California Public Records Act and undermines public health efforts.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in December 2024, promising “accurate, up-to-date information” on H5N1, but CRLA says that transparency has not been delivered. “To ensure protective behaviors are in place, we must know which dairies are impacted,” said CRLA attorney David Cremins.

In its most recent update on October 29, 2025, CDFA reported that 13 dairy herds are under quarantine, including six that were re-quarantined after previous infections. The agency noted that all dairies remain under regular surveillance as statewide efforts continue to monitor and contain the virus.