Bird flu detected in milk produced by Arizona dairy herd for 1st time

PHOENIX — Bird flu was recently detected in milk produced by an Arizona dairy herd for the first time, officials announced Friday.

The risk to the general public remains low, according to the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA). However, individuals in close contact with affected cattle could be at an increased risk.

No cows at the facility, which officials didn’t identify, are showing symptoms of H5N1 avian flu. However, the site, which is located in Maricopa County, was placed under quarantine.

How was bird flu detected in milk produced in Arizona?

The bird flu was detected in the milk on Tuesday, not long after the AZDA implemented farm-level bulk tank testing in January as part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Milk Testing Strategy.

Since January, every dairy in the state has been tested for avian flu at least once. Tuesday’s positive result was the first.

Milk and other dairy products that have been pasteurized are safe to consume, the AZDA said.

The AZDA is working with state and county health officials to provide worker safety guidance, monitor staff and prevent the spread of the bird flu at the affected site.

In December 2024, health officials reported the state’s first cases of bird flu in humans. Those cases stemmed from a poultry outbreak at a Pinal County farm.

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