Bird flu has been detected in wastewater in Phoenix, Tempe, and Surprise, according to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH). The findings, confirmed through routine surveillance, suggest that the H5N1 influenza subtype is more prevalent in the community than previously thought.
Recent months have seen avian influenza cases reported in poultry farms, backyard flocks, and wild animals in the region. While human cases have been rare, two individuals linked to a Pinal County poultry farm reported mild symptoms and have since recovered.
MCDPH emphasized that the risk to humans remains minimal, as no human-to-human transmission has been documented locally.
Residents are urged to report signs of illness in poultry to the USDA at 1-866-536-7593 and to notify the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 623-236-7201 about sick or dead wild birds.
