On May 20, 2025, the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) reported that poultry at a commercial farm located in Maricopa County tested positive for Avian Influenza. When the poultry began showing clinical signs consistent with avian influenza on May 15, 2025, 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 May 19.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk to the general public was 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.

Eggs produced after the onset of clinical signs of illness had not entered the food supply, and there were no signs of illness in humans. The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) engaged with the USDA, Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, and Maricopa County Department of Public Health to ensure a quick and appropriate response to addressing this animal disease emergency

The affected poultry farm was placed under quarantine on the recommendation of the Director of the AZDA and the AZDA State Veterinarian. Enhanced biosecurity measures were in place and efforts were underway to perform virus elimination. All applicable sanitation responses were quickly implemented.