Another case of avian influenza has been detected in Arizona, specifically within a commercial farm in Maricopa County, as confirmed by the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) on Tuesday, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. The AZDA stated that the affected poultry exhibited symptoms of the bird flu by May 15, which led to samples being sent to the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and subsequently to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories for confirmation of the virus on May 19.
State officials have reported that eggs produced after the birds fell ill were stopped from entering the food supply, ensuring that no tainted products reached consumers and there has been no reported transmission of the illness to humans according to AZ Family, the farm in question, which has not been publicly identified, is currently undergoing quarantine measures and enhanced biosecurity practices are currently being enforced to prevent further spread of the illness.
Rachel Andrews, AZDA's chief legislative liaison and public information officer, assured customers, stating, "Consumers in Arizona and around the nation can remain confident in the safety and quality of eggs and egg products" as the AZDA collaborates with federal and local agencies to manage this animal health emergency.
This recent incident isn't the first encounter Maricopa County has had with the bird flu. The area has battled multiple outbreaks over the past year, including the infection of two individuals exposed to the virus at a facility in Pinal County and the decease of five animals at the Wildlife World Zoo, which is believed to have been caused by avian influenza, with the collaboration between state agriculture, health, environmental, emergency, and public health departments being a testament to the ongoing effort to contain and eliminate the threat of avian influenza from affected communities.
For those who notice signs of illness in their poultry, AZDA advises that such cases be reported to the United States Department of Agriculture through the Sick Bird Hotline at 1-866-536-7593, and for illnesses involving wild birds, contact is suggested with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
