Bird Flu Detected In Maricopa County Backyard Flock

A backyard flock of poultry in Maricopa County has tested positive for bird flu, according to a joint release from the Arizona Department of Agriculture and the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Sick Bird Hotline: If you see signs of illness in your poultry, report them immediately to USDA at 1-866-536-7593. You can also contact your local cooperative extension office, local veterinarian, or your State Veterinarian. For wild bird illness, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

When the poultry began showing clinical signs consistent with avian influenza, samples from the location were submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for testing and results were confirmed on November 21, 2024.

The owner reported signs of illness in their flock utilizing the Sick Bird Hotline which facilitated a quick and efficient response to mitigate the risk of spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk to the general public is considered to be low with those most at risk of exposure being individuals directly involved with the daily care and husbandry of the birds.

“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. While the risk to the general public remains low, workers and individuals that may be at
risk for exposure to avian influenza should follow public health guidance,” said Nicole Witt, ADHS Assistant Director of Preparedness.

The affected location has been placed under quarantine and efforts have taken place to perform virus elimination. All applicable sanitation responses have been quickly implemented.