H5 Avian Influenza Detected in Wastewater in Coconino County

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has confirmed that H5 avian influenza has been detected in wastewater sampling. The specimens were collected at the Rio De Flag Water Reclamation Plant and the Wildcat Hill Water Reclamation Plant. The source of the virus is suspected to be from chickens and wild birds, however other sources cannot be ruled out. There are no reports of human or animal H5 cases in Coconino County.

Wastewater (sewage) can be tested to detect traces of infectious diseases circulating in a community, including H5, and provides an indicator for further investigation and an opportunity to reinforce prevention measures. Wastewater sampling is routinely performed by Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) as part of ongoing statewide surveillance. Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) also detected H5 in Flagstaff wastewater and identified the presence of chicken and wild bird DNA, indicating that chickens and birds may be a source of H5 presence in the wastewater. Since there are confirmed cases of H5 infection in the state, this is expected. 

There is no evidence that human-to-human transmission of H5 avian flu is occurring to date. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk to the general public from H5 remains low.

H5 is a novel influenza A virus that primarily affects birds. Although human infections with H5 are rare, exposure to animals infected with H5 or environments in which infected animals have been present increase the risk of individuals becoming infected.

Two human cases have been reported elsewhere in Arizona among those working closely with infected animals. Human infections with H5 can happen when the virus gets in a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or is inhaled from close or prolonged exposure to sick animals or their environments.

H5 infection in people can range from mild (upper respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis) to severe (pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death). Individuals who develop any of these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and mention recent exposure to birds.

H5 avian flu has been detected in birds in Arizona, including a commercial poultry farm in Pinal County and a backyard flock in Maricopa County. When looking for signs of H5 in chickens, watch for symptoms of lethargy, reduced appetite, purple discoloration or swelling of the comb, wattles, and legs, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, reduced egg production, and soft-shelled or misshapen eggs, and sudden death with no prior signs.

CCHHS encourages residents to follow these best practices when around animals or when consuming animal products:

• People should avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings or bedding.
• Residents are encouraged to report sick pets to their veterinarian. If you see signs of illness in your poultry consistent with the H5 symptoms listed above, report them immediately to USDA at the Sick Bird Hotline at 1-866-536-7593.
• Do not touch or consume raw milk or raw milk products, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected H5 infection. Pasteurized dairy products are safe to consume.
• Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to a safe internal temperature as recommended by the FDA at link to kill bacteria and viruses. 

Visit coconino.az.gov/H5AvianFlu for more information.