Fourth Maricopa County poultry facility tests positive for Avian Influenza; Containment and disposal measures underway

Poultry at a fourth commercial farm located in Maricopa County have tested positive for Avian Influenza. This facility, Maricopa 05, does not have any birds of egg producing age.

This detection was picked up through routine surveillance sampling within the control area on June 4, 2025 prior to any birds demonstrating clinical signs consistent with avian influenza. Samples from the location were submitted to the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (AZVDL) for preliminary determination, then submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for confirmation, received on June 6.

Poultry at the Maricopa 05 facility are being rendered on site through a heat and activation process. The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) has engaged with the USDA, Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA), and Maricopa County Department of Public Health to ensure a quick and appropriate response to addressing this animal disease emergency.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk to the general public is considered to be low with those most at risk of exposure being individuals who are directly involved with the daily care of birds. Information regarding protective actions for workers and the monitoring of avian influenza can be found on the CDC’s website, which is updated regularly. ADEQ is working closely with facility owners and government partners to ensure that all chicken carcasses resulting from this incident are safely disposed of in accordance with applicable environmental laws.

Last week, carcasses were buried at a facility in Maricopa 02 as an interim measure while a multi-agency working group coordinates with the facility to develop a permanent solution. This approach was taken to minimize the risk of spread of infection.

There is no current threat to public health or groundwater from chicken carcasses buried in Maricopa 02. In addition, a removal operation has been fully mobilized in Maricopa 03 and Maricopa 04. Carcasses are being containerized and transported to a permitted landfill. Transport bins meet applicable USDA containment requirements and vehicles have been inspected to confirm adherence to Maricopa County Department of Transportation load restrictions.

Sick Bird Hotline: If you see signs of illness in your poultry, report them immediately to USDA at 1-866-536-7593. You can also contact your local cooperative extension office, local veterinarian, or your State Veterinarian. For wild bird illness, please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department. www.agriculture.az.gov