California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation on Wednesday in response to growing concerns over bird flu cases in the state and across the country.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday to bolster the statewide response to the ongoing bird flu outbreak.

Health officials in the most populous state in the country have seen where the bird flu story appears to be heading, and they’re determined to stay ahead of it. Whether the rest of the nation is willing to follow suit remains to be seen.