Avian Influenza

I am a backyard bird owner. How do I get the latest information about AI?

We have numerous resources in both Spanish - - This translation or communication is unofficial and is not binding on this State or a political subdivision of this State.

Conforme al artículo XXVIII de la constitución del Arizona, la lengua oficial del estado del Arizona es inglés. Excepto según lo proporcionado de otra manera por la ley, las traducciones o las comunicaciones en una lengua con excepción del inglés son oficiosas y no están atando en este estado.

and English to bring you up to speed. Also, you can join our FREE and confidential alert program to receive the latest in A.I.

In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture has created Biosecurity for the Birds, which addresses even more topics.

What is H5N1 flu?

The H5N1 flu is just one of many avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. The H5N1 avian flu has been reported in birds (mostly in poultry) in parts of Asia and Europe. The H5N1 avian flu has also infected and sickened over 100 people in Asia.

Has the H5N1 avian flu been found in Arizona?

No! The H5N1 avian flu has not been found in anywhere in the U.S.

What is the risk of the H5N1 avian flu arriving in Arizona?

The risk of the H5N1 avian flu infection among birds in Arizona is very low. No poultry or poultry products from countries affected with the H5N1 avian flu are legally allowed to enter the United States.

Is it safe to cook and eat chicken, other poultry and eggs?

Yes. It is safe to continue eating poultry and eggs. There is no evidence to suggest that you can become infected by eating properly cooked poultry and eggs.

Is it safe to hunt, field dress and eat wild game birds?

Yes! It is still safe to hunt and eat game. However, hunters are always encouraged to wear gloves when skinning and preparing any game meat (this includes birds and mammals) and to cook meat thoroughly before serving it.

I have a neighbor who feeds and attracts lots of birds/pigeons. Am I at increased risk for the H5N1 avian flu?

No. The H5N1 avian flu has not been found in Arizona or anywhere in the United States. Almost all human cases of the H5N1 avian flu in Asia have involved poultry handlers that had substantial contact with birds. There is no evidence to suggest that bird feeding will put you at risk for the H5N1 avian flu.

Can the health department stop people from feeding birds?

There are no state public health laws that prohibit people from feeding birds. Also, in most areas there are no local/city ordinances that address this issue. Some home owner’s associations have adopted rules that prohibit excessive bird feeding. Consult your neighborhood home owner’s association (if one exists). If bird feeding is permissible, it is still important to be considerate to your neighbors. People who do enjoy feeding birds are encouraged to do so in open areas such as parks where the attraction of large numbers of birds will be less likely to upset neighbors.

I have a dead bird in my yard. Can I have it tested for the H5N1 avian flu?

No. Health officials are not accepting and testing dead birds for the H5N1 avian flu. State and federal departments of agriculture are routinely testing chickens for evidence of infection with the H5N1 avian flu and other poultry diseases. During the mosquito season (March through October), health officials in Arizona have been accepting dead wild birds* for West Nile virus testing, except for pigeons, doves, and baby birds.

*Dead birds must be fresh. Contact your County Environmental Health Office to report/submit dead wild birds for West Nile virus testing.

Can I get the H5N1 avian flu from pigeon droppings?

No. The H5N1 avian flu has not been detected in the United States.

My pet dog/cat brought a dead bird into my house. Can my pet dog or cat get sick from avian flu?

Dogs and cats are considered to be resistant to avian flu virus. Illness with the H5N1 avian flu has been reported among domestic and exotic cats in Asia, which is unusual. Since the H5N1 avian flu virus has not been identified in Arizona or the United States, dogs and cats which may capture wild birds are not at risk for this disease. If your pet is ill, consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis & treatment.

 I am feeling sick. Can I be tested for the H5N1 avian flu?

If you are sick, consult your doctor. Testing is available for flu viruses which typically occur during the cold and flu season. At this time, testing for the H5N1 avian flu would not be appropriate- except in cases where the patient had traveled to a H5N1 avian flu-affected area of the world, and/or had close exposure to H5N1 infected birds or persons.

Are my pet birds at risk for the H5N1 avian flu?

At present, the H5N1 avian flu is not known to be here in the United States. In order to protect your pet birds from other avian diseases, keep your birds isolated from wild birds. Isolation of newly acquired or ill birds from others for 30 days is recommended.

What should I do to protect my workers?

Tried and true measures to protect workers.

What if I want more information?

The United State Department of Agriculture has created a web page devoted to this issue.