The Arizona Department of Agriculture is investigating the first potential cases of bird flu in the state.
Four properties in the state where the birds and eggs were shipped are under quarantine, state agriculture department officials say. The properties are in Pinal, Mohave, Santa Cruz and Yavapai Counties.
The cases stem from 13 quail and chickens and about 40 quail and partridge eggs that were imported to Arizona from a facility in Iowa, Arizona officials say.
After the birds became sick a short time after arriving, tests were conducted and the initial results, which came back Monday, were positive for H5 Avian Influenza. Further testing could take up to six days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk for infection of people to be low. To date, the H5 Avian Influenza strain has not caused any human illness. It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry products, including meat and eggs, according to government health experts.
"Bird enthusiasts and breeders who are shopping on the internet need to take care when ordering,"state veterinarian Dr. Perry Durham said in a news release.
"These birds and eggs came from a state where Avian Influenza is rampant, responsible for the loss of millions of turkeys and hens."
State officials advise checking the list of states with bird flu and not importing birds or eggs from those states.
The facility in Iowa shipped birds and eggs to almost 75 percent of the country in the weeks before the initial testing, according to Arizona health officials.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease of chickens, turkeys, pheasants, ducks, quail, geese and many wild birds.
Direct contact with infected birds, contaminated objects/equipment, and droplets in the air can spread the virus.
All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard flock owners, are advised to continue to practice good biosecurity, prevent contact between their birds and wild birds.
People should avoid contact with sick/dead poultry or wildlife. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds, government authorities advise.
All bird owners can do their part to protect Arizona poultry by immediately reporting sick birds or unusual bird deaths to the Arizona state Veterinarian’s Office at 602-542-4293 or the USDA sick bird hotline at 1-866-536-7593.
