Bird Flu found at Arizona farm but officials say risk is low
Adrik Vargas
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Bird flu, also called H5N1, was found last week at a poultry farm in Maricopa County, Arizona.
The farm which has not been named is now under quarantine. Health officials say eggs from sick birds were not sold to the public.
The Yuma County Public Health Department says people should not worry, but they should still be careful.
“H5N1 bird flu is a viral infection that primarily effects poultry like chicken, duck, turkeys, and other wild birds, so it rarely affects humans,” said Cynthia Espinoza, an epidemiologist.
“The precautions that we can follow is of course avoid contact with poultry wild bird, or any animal that looks sick, or ill, or is dead,” Espinoza said.
She also gave food safety advice: “Drink pasteurized milk it kills harmful bacteria and precautions when cooking poultry meat eggs cook them at the right temperature in order to kill bacteria and viruses including H5N1.”
Yuma County resident Dareese Lackland said, “It’s a little weird because I used to eat a lot of eggs, but I still eat eggs because their one of the highest nutritional value stuff, it is worrisome but you gotta do what you gotta do with what you have.”
Health officials say the risk is still low, and good hygiene and cooking habits can help keep you safe.