Bird Flu Detected in Milk from Phoenix-Area Dairy
In a groundbreaking discovery, health authorities have announced the detection of bird flu in milk from a cattle herd at a dairy establishment in the Phoenix area.
On Friday, both the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) revealed the state's first confirmed case of H5N1 avian influenza in milk from a dairy herd. This significant finding was verified on Tuesday.
While the location of the facility remains undisclosed, officials have confirmed it resides in Maricopa County and is currently under precautionary quarantine. Fortunately, none of the impacted cattle exhibit signs of malaise, though any change in their health status will result in isolation from the main herd.
This discovery came as part of the AZDA's proactive National Milk Testing Strategy, operational since January, ensuring each dairy in the state undergoes at least one test.
Health experts reassure the public, stating the specific genotype lacks features likely to infect humans, rendering low risk to the general populace. Pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe for consumption.
AZDA is collaborating with the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health to monitor personnel, provide safety advice, and prevent the flu's spread to other animals within the quarantined dairy.
In recent months, avian influenza has affected multiple birds and led to the demise of several creatures in a Phoenix zoo. Additionally, two individuals were diagnosed positive after handling infected poultry in Pinal County.
