Two Arizona counties have reported new cases of bird flu, health officials announced Wednesday.
Animals at a Maricopa County zoo and in Coconino County wastewater have tested positive for avian influenza, more commonly known as avian influenza.
Despite the steady rise in cases in Arizona, health officials stressed that the general public is not at risk of contracting bird flu.
The outbreak at Wildlife World Zoo is the third case of avian influenza affecting animals in Arizona, and the second in Maricopa County. The other incident occurred at a commercial farm in Pinal County.
This is the first time this year in Arizona that the avian influenza virus H5N1 has been found in sewage in Coconino County.
News of the zoo infection and positive wastewater test comes less than a week after the Arizona Department of Health Services announced that two employees at a Pinal County farm contracted the virus from infected poultry. It was announced in my house.
Animals at Wildlife World Zoo test positive for bird flu
Staff at Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park identified the sick animal and transported it to the Arizona Department of Agriculture for testing. The results showed that the animals were likely suffering from avian influenza.
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health emphasized that the risk to the general public and zoo visitors remains low. County health officials were working with volunteers and staff who were considered at high risk of contracting the virus due to close and prolonged contact with infected animals.
So far, there have been no confirmed cases of human infection from the outbreak, county health officials said.
Wildlife World Zoo has suspended activities for guests who come into direct contact with animals and enhanced other health and safety precautions.
Zoo officials said a cheetah, mountain lion, swanfen, barred goose and kingfisher died from exposure to avian influenza. The white tiger tested positive but appeared to be responding to treatment.
Trace amounts of virus detected in wastewater in Coconino County
The wastewater samples that tested positive for avian influenza were from the Rio de Flag Water Reclamation Plant and the Wildcat Hill Reclamation Plant. Both locations are in Flagstaff, according to the Coconino County Health and Human Services Department.
There were no reported animal or human infections in Coconino County.
During routine testing, researchers detected traces of the H5N1 virus and DNA from chickens and wild birds, pointing to these animals as possible sources of infection. However, other sources have not yet been ruled out.
The discovery was expected, as cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in the state.
Health officials urged residents to avoid contact with sick or dead animals, their feces and bedding. Report your pet’s illness to your veterinarian. Cook chicken, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature. Do not consume any raw milk or dairy products.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
