Bird Flu Strikes Again: Fourth Arizona Poultry Farm Hit with Avian Influenza

The avian influenza outbreak in Maricopa County, Arizona, has now reached a fourth commercial poultry farm. The latest affected site—dubbed Maricopa 05—was flagged through routine surveillance testing on June 4, 2025, before any birds showed clinical signs of illness.

This facility does not house any birds of egg-producing age, but containment protocols were swiftly enacted. Following initial testing at the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (AZVDL), results were confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) on June 6. In response, all poultry at the site are being rendered on-site using heat and activation methods to eliminate the virus.

A coordinated response is underway involving the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA), USDA, Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, and Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

While the CDC maintains that the risk to the general public remains low, workers handling birds are still considered at higher risk. Proper PPE and monitoring protocols are in place, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is overseeing safe disposal of poultry carcasses to prevent environmental contamination.

Efforts are also ongoing at previously affected facilities. At Maricopa 02, carcasses were buried as an emergency measure, and permanent solutions are being evaluated. Removal operations are fully underway at Maricopa 03 and 04, with strict USDA-compliant transport measures in place.

Authorities emphasize there is no current threat to public health or groundwater, and continue to urge vigilance. If you suspect illness in domestic poultry, report immediately to the USDA Sick Bird Hotline at 1-866-536-7593. For concerns about wild birds, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department.