A bird-flu pandemic is not an exhilarating prospect. Though the strains of the virus currently in circulation may not be as lethal to humans as those in the past (previous mortality rates have reached as high as 50 percent), we know it would be deadly to some and dangerous to many. But could we, as a society, handle it? Probably.

California officials have declared a state of emergency over the spread of bird flu, which is tearing through dairy cows in that state and causing sporadic illnesses in people in the U.S.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declaration has riled up concern, particularly in other top dairy-producing states, such as Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.