Confirmed case of bird flu found at Pinal County farm, officials say

PINAL COUNTY, AZ (AZFamily) — The Arizona Department of Agriculture has confirmed that poultry at a farm in Pinal County tested positive for avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

Details are limited, but officials say the birds began showing signs of the illness on Monday, and samples were taken to determine and confirm the diagnosis.

Officials say eggs produced after the animals started showing signs of illness have not entered the food supply.

“Consumers in Arizona and around the nation can remain confident in the safety and quality of eggs and egg products. The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) has ensured a quick response to alleviate any supply chain challenges,” the agency said in a news release.

The farm has not yet been identified but has since been placed under quarantine.

“ADHS is collaborating with AZDA in the response to avian influenza and will continue to monitor influenza activity in Arizona in collaboration with local health departments,” said Nicole Witt, the agency’s assistant director of preparedness. “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.”

State officials stress that if you see signs of illness in poultry, you must report it immediately to the USDA.

Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called for more testing of employees on farms with bird flu after a new study showed that some dairy workers had signs of infection, even when they didn’t report feeling sick.

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said farmworkers who come into close contact with infected animals should be tested and offered treatment even if they show no symptoms.

The new guidance comes after blood tests for 115 farmworkers in Michigan and Colorado showed that eight workers — or 7% — had antibodies that indicated previous infection with the Type A H5N1 influenza virus.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said a pig at an Oregon farm was confirmed to have bird flu, the first time the virus was detected in U.S. swine.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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