Susanne Rust
@susrust.bsky.social
Reporter, LA Times. Enviro/Sci/Health. I cover #H5N1 #BirdFlu and Plastic. And other stuff, too (Valley Fever, Octopus rights, wild pigs, and more). Located in SF Bay area.
And maybe a few in OR, too -- migration? (Also one in NJ)
September 3, 2025 at 11:06 PM
And maybe a few in OR, too -- migration? (Also one in NJ)
#GroundSquirrelInvasion? At least 14 in my back yard. I’ve never seen it like this.
July 17, 2025 at 9:03 PM
#GroundSquirrelInvasion? At least 14 in my back yard. I’ve never seen it like this.
Here's a screenshot of the video clip Newsom's comms shop sent me -- the one they threatened to send to my editor if I proceeded with this story. They searched for a video/photo of me with a water bottle, found one, then circled it in red. They never provided a response to my questions.
June 21, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Here's a screenshot of the video clip Newsom's comms shop sent me -- the one they threatened to send to my editor if I proceeded with this story. They searched for a video/photo of me with a water bottle, found one, then circled it in red. They never provided a response to my questions.
They did it! CA FINALLY announced its ban on expanded polystyrene in food service ware that went into effect on Jan. 1 -- and for which the state has been peculiarly silent, for 92 days.
April 4, 2025 at 11:47 PM
They did it! CA FINALLY announced its ban on expanded polystyrene in food service ware that went into effect on Jan. 1 -- and for which the state has been peculiarly silent, for 92 days.
A day late (and what a wonderful way to celebrate!!) but HBD with a fisher -- the middle child of the weasel family.
March 4, 2025 at 10:12 PM
A day late (and what a wonderful way to celebrate!!) but HBD with a fisher -- the middle child of the weasel family.
🦝 OK Bluesky fliers: 4 black rats from #RiversideCo. infected w/ #H5N1 #BirdFlu per USDA/APHIS website. I asked the county how it came to be the rats were tested. Part of typical surveillance? Were they acting funny? Riverside Co punted to USDA. USDA is unresponsive. Anyone have intel?🦝
February 21, 2025 at 2:15 AM
🦝 OK Bluesky fliers: 4 black rats from #RiversideCo. infected w/ #H5N1 #BirdFlu per USDA/APHIS website. I asked the county how it came to be the rats were tested. Part of typical surveillance? Were they acting funny? Riverside Co punted to USDA. USDA is unresponsive. Anyone have intel?🦝
#H5N1 #BirdFlu #MMWR human-to-cat/cat-to-human study finally published. Here's what struck me: Dairy workers w/symptoms refusing testing; "uninfected" dairy farm w/reportedly dead barn cats; no questions re raw milk consumption; symptoms in dairy worker including vomiting and diarrhea.
February 20, 2025 at 6:51 PM
WOAH reports H5N5 strain of #BirdFlu in Labrador/Newfoundland backyard flock. Same area that #H5N1 was introduced in 2021 to North America. The H5 part is from the H5N1 2.3.4.4b variety. As Trump slashes USDA/CDC testing and surveillance in US, helpful to keep an eye North to see what's coming.
February 18, 2025 at 3:10 PM
I'd forgotten this (7/22) letter, until a source sent to me -- but seems coldly prescient considering @governor.ca.gov 's silence on the #SB54 #plastics legislation, and the back-room pressure campaign by the plastics industry to delay, delay, delay. (1/6)
February 16, 2025 at 6:14 PM
I'd forgotten this (7/22) letter, until a source sent to me -- but seems coldly prescient considering @governor.ca.gov 's silence on the #SB54 #plastics legislation, and the back-room pressure campaign by the plastics industry to delay, delay, delay. (1/6)
Here are more detailed instructions:
February 10, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Here are more detailed instructions:
Can contact via Signal -- most reporters have accounts. Or just call on phone. Most papers have severs you can send to, as well. Here's a screenshot of the LA Times' (just search tip leak LA Times and the page will pop up with instructions)
February 10, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Can contact via Signal -- most reporters have accounts. Or just call on phone. Most papers have severs you can send to, as well. Here's a screenshot of the LA Times' (just search tip leak LA Times and the page will pop up with instructions)
I don't understand why I'm being targeted for these products. I have no idea what the middle object is. Or the watermelon thing. And I don't have a cat. And why is the cat in that box?
February 4, 2025 at 5:51 PM
I don't understand why I'm being targeted for these products. I have no idea what the middle object is. Or the watermelon thing. And I don't have a cat. And why is the cat in that box?
732 dairy herds in CA have reportedly been infected with #H5N1 #BirdFlu, for a total of 949 across 16 states. #WastewaterScan data shows prevalence is down across CA. Turlock is the dramatic line there.
January 29, 2025 at 1:22 PM
732 dairy herds in CA have reportedly been infected with #H5N1 #BirdFlu, for a total of 949 across 16 states. #WastewaterScan data shows prevalence is down across CA. Turlock is the dramatic line there.
Although the doves have taken over
January 21, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Although the doves have taken over