Arizona health officials have confirmed a case of avian influenza in Maricopa County. In a statement released on Nov. 25, the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Arizona Department of Agriculture announced that a backyard poultry flock in the county tested positive for the bird flu virus.
Details relating to the exact location of the case within Maricopa County were not provided, but state officials reported that when the owner observed their poultry showing illness signs, they swiftly contacted the Sick Bird Hotline, prompting an immediate response. The National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the avian influenza presence on November 21, according to both FOX 10 Phoenix and ABC 15.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assesses the risk to the general public as low, with the primary concern being for individuals involved in the daily care of poultry. However, the quick reporting and the response aided in mitigating spread, "ADHS is collaborating with AZDA and local health departments in the response to avian influenza and will continue to monitor influenza activity in Arizona in collaboration with local health departments," said Nicole Witt, ADHS Assistant Director of Preparedness, in statements obtained by ABC 15.
State efforts include placing the affected area under quarantine and initiating virus elimination procedures. These measures echo previous actions in Pinal County, where earlier a commercial poultry farm was also put under quarantine after detection of bird flu. Officials at the time, as noted by FOX 10 Phoenix, said that "efforts are underway to perform virus elimination" targeting the infectious agent.
State officials urge poultry owners to remain vigilant and report any illness signs by contacting the USDA Sick Bird Hotline at 1-866-536-7593. Information and guidance can also be obtained through local cooperative extension offices, veterinarians, or the State Veterinarian office. For concerns regarding wild bird illnesses, the Arizona Game and Fish Department should be contacted.
