Bird Flu Outbreak: Contaminated Milk Uncovered at Maricopa County Facility

MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — A dairy facility in Maricopa County has been quarantined due to the detection of avian flu in its milk supply, according to the Arizona Department of Agriculture. While the cattle from this facility have shown no symptoms of the illness, any future cases will result in the affected animals being separated from the herd.

The avian flu strain H5N1 was identified through a proactive milk-testing initiative launched by the agriculture department last month. So far, every dairy in Arizona has undergone testing, with this being the only confirmed positive result, as noted by agency officials.

This incident is unrelated to a recent avian flu case reported in Nevada. There, federal health officials disclosed that a dairy worker contracted a different strain of bird flu, distinct from the one circulating in U.S. herds since the previous year.

Despite the situation, the agriculture department reassured the public that pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe for consumption.

Maricopa County, notable for being the fourth-largest U.S. county by population, is home to approximately 4.5 million residents, representing about 63% of Arizona’s total population. Spanning 9,224 square miles, it’s larger than seven U.S. states, including New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Among its many attributes, Maricopa County boasts one of the largest park systems in the nation, offering an estimated 120,000 acres of open space, complete with extensive trails, nature centers, and campgrounds. The county seat, Phoenix, also serves as the state capital and ranks as the fifth most populous city in the U.S.

The county’s name pays homage to the Maricopa, or Piipaash, Native American Tribe.