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PHOENIX, Ariz. — Bird flu has been detected for the first time in milk produced by an Arizona dairy herd, state officials announced Friday. While the risk to the general public remains low, individuals who have close contact with infected cattle may face an increased risk, according to the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA).
The Maricopa County facility, which officials have not identified, has been placed under quarantine despite no cows exhibiting symptoms of H5N1 avian flu.
How Was Bird Flu Found in Arizona Dairy Milk?
The virus was detected on Tuesday as part of Arizona’s newly implemented bulk tank testing program, which began in January under the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Milk Testing Strategy.
Since the start of the program, every dairy in Arizona has been tested at least once, making Tuesday’s positive result the first confirmed case in the state’s dairy supply.
Is Dairy Milk Still Safe to Drink?
Health officials emphasize that pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe to consume, as the pasteurization process eliminates harmful pathogens, including avian flu.
The AZDA is coordinating with state and county health agencies to:
- Monitor workers for potential exposure.
- Provide safety guidance to farm personnel.
- Prevent further spread of the virus within the affected site.
Bird Flu’s Growing Presence in Arizona
This detection follows a series of bird flu cases across Arizona, including:
- Bird flu in wastewater across multiple Phoenix-area cities.
- Confirmed cases in geese at a Scottsdale park.
- The state’s first human cases in December 2024, linked to a poultry outbreak in Pinal County.
While Arizona has remained largely unaffected by avian flu outbreaks in dairy cattle, officials will continue monitoring farms statewide to contain potential risks and safeguard both agricultural workers and consumers.