The bird flu has been detected in Litchfield Park's Wildlife World Zoo and across Arizona.
Submitted photo\ Wildlife World Zoo
Avian influenza has been detected in Maricopa County, with cases reported in a backyard poultry flock and zoo animals.
No human infections have been reported, and the overall risk to the public remains low, say officials with county and state agencies tasked with watching for outbreaks.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a highly pathogenic virus primarily affecting birds, particularly wild birds and domestic poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
You must be a member to read this story.
Join our family of readers starting at $5 for your first month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Avian influenza has been detected in Maricopa County, with cases reported in a backyard poultry flock and zoo animals.
No human infections have been reported, and the overall risk to the public remains low, say officials with county and state agencies tasked with watching for outbreaks.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a highly pathogenic virus primarily affecting birds, particularly wild birds and domestic poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
While rare, human infections can occur in individuals with close, unprotected contact with infected animals or their body fluids. Symptoms in humans can range from mild upper respiratory issues to severe conditions such as pneumonia or multi-organ failure. However, the virus does not currently spread from person to person.
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health is working with federal, state, and local agencies to respond to the outbreaks.
On Dec. 11 the virus was confirmed in a small number of animals at Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park. Following the confirmation, the zoo implemented isolation and quarantine measures for affected animals and suspended guest activities involving direct animal contact. Enhanced biosecurity measures are also in place to prevent further spread.
“Our team worked diligently to contain the situation, and we remain committed to the health and safety of our animals, staff, and visitors,” stated Kristy Hayden, president of Wildlife World Zoo.
Despite the team's effort, the zoo lost five animals to the fast-spreading virus, two big cats and three birds.
“Each of them was more than just a resident-they were cherished members of our family. They taught us to marvel at the natural world, to protect it, and to find joy in its beauty. Though they are gone, their legacy lives on in the stories shared, the smiles sparked, and the love they inspired for themselves and their wild counterparts,” a representative from the Wildlife World Zoo stated through social media posts.
In Nov. 25, a backyard flock in Maricopa County tested positive for avian influenza. The affected site was immediately quarantined, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation. While the general risk to the public remains low, individuals with close, prolonged exposure to sick animals are at higher risk of infection.
Avian influenz primarily affects birds. Although human infections are rare, they can occur in people who have close, unprotected contact with infected animals or their environments. There is currently no evidence to suggest human-to-human transmission of the virus.
Avian influenza has been recently reported outside Maricopa County. In Pinal County, a commercial poultry farm tested positive for the virus on Nov.15. The farm was quarantined, and enhanced biosecurity measures were implemented. Authorities have assured the public that eggs produced after the onset of illness have not entered the food supply.
In Coconino County, the virus was detected in wastewater samples from the Rio De Flag and Wildcat Hill water reclamation plants on Dec. 11. The virus was identified in wastewater samples alongside DNA from chickens and wild birds. However, no human or animal cases of avian flu have been reported in Coconino County.
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health advises the public to take precautions to minimize the risk of infection. People and their domesticated pets should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, as well as their droppings or bedding.
People are also advised against consuming raw or unpasteurized dairy products, especially from animals with suspected or confirmed infection. Cooking poultry, eggs, and beef to safe internal temperatures is also recommended to kill harmful bacteria and viruses.
Hand hygiene is another key measure to reduce the spread of the virus. Washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer can help prevent contamination.
“The risk to the general public remains low, but those who work closely with animals or handle poultry are considered at higher risk of exposure,” stated Nicole Witt, Arizona Department of Health Services assistant director of preparedness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains the risk to the general public remains low. However, those who work closely with animals or handle poultry are considered at higher risk of exposure.
By 
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here