Arizona - Farm Angels Sanctuary struck by Bird Flu - December 2, 2024

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Media:
December 2, 2024​

Farm Angels Sanctuary
Animal rescue service in Maricopa County, Arizona​

State officials say bird flu has been confirmed at two locations in the state so far this year. One of them was referred to as a backyard flock. FOX 10's Steve Nielsen spoke with the owner of the flock at Farm Angels Sanctuary and has more details.

Video with interview and pics of the farm. Says none of the other animals were infected. Pig, llama, goats, dairy cattle, ... https://www.fox10phoenix.com/video/1556131

Pics of the Sanctuary: https://www.google.com/search?clien...kZDNuQXJyanRtZGNuREFRbnFMRTFMc2QyMGtwMmRYaExh

 

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[bolding is mine]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarmAngelsSanctuary/

Adopt A Bird Network

November28at3:06 PM ·

I have some very sad news to share. Our dear friends at Farm Angels Sanctuary have suffered a tragic loss. They are absolutely devastated which is why we are sharing this on their behalf.
There was an outbreak of HPAI H5N1 (bird flu) on their property in Surprise, AZ which resulted in the loss of over 100 of the bird residents at their sanctuary. This included infected and non-infected chickens, guinea fowl, turkeys, quail, ducks, geese, and peacocks.

There was nothing they could do to stop the USDA from killing them all. We aren't going to get into details, but it was horrible. They weren't even aware that there was any risk of bird flu in their area. Ironically the bird area where it started was netted to prevent wild birds from accessing. All it took was one infected wild bird to poop on the ground. The next thing they knew, their guineas were dropping dead, then their turkeys developed neurological issues followed by a non-pleasant death, then the chickens. The chickens were suddenly lethargic with their wings drooping, followed by cyanosis of the comb (turning blue/purple). Once the chickens developed symptoms, they were dead by the next day.

It's important for you to be aware of this because it could easily happen to you. It doesn't really matter which state you live in, and waterfowl can be carriers without showing any signs of illness.
Farm Angels has opened their hearts to so many shelter birds who never would have made it out of the shelter alive if it had not been for their kind heart. We are so grateful that they had the chance to live somewhere where they were loved, well-cared for and truly happy. If we could give out animal sanctuary of the year awards it would without question go to this sanctuary.
After the incident, they were instructed by the USDA to 'clean up' the area without any financial assistance or guidance. Because they don't want to take any risk of the virus remaining on the property, they've thrown away all of the chicken coops, runs, shades, equipment, etc. and will be excavating the entire area and will spray a special disinfectant that is said to inactivate the virus.
Besides the heartache of losing all their residents, they are also faced with the added financial strain of all the decontamination work in order to allow them to eventually start taking in more birds again at some point in the future. At that time, as a protocol they will quarantine all new in-takes. If you can donate, they could really use our support right now.

Ways to Donate:​

 

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November 26, 2024
Bird flu detected in Maricopa County

Per a statement released jointly by the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Arizona Department of Agriculture on Nov. 25, poultry in a backyard flock within the county tested positive for bird flu.

video included: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/video/1553493
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Arizona Department of Agriculture
PRESS RELEASE FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA DETECTION 11/25/24

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE DATE: November 25, 2024​

Avian Influenza Detection
Phoenix, AZ – Poultry in a backyard flock located in Maricopa County have tested positive for Avian
Influenza. When the poultry began showing clinical signs consistent with avian influenza, samples
from the location were submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for testing
and results were confirmed on November 21, 2024. The owner reported signs of illness in their flock
utilizing the Sick Bird Hotline which facilitated a quick and efficient response to mitigate the risk of
spread.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk to the general public is
considered to be low with those most at risk of exposure being individuals directly involved with the
daily care and husbandry of the birds. Information regarding protective actions for workers, owners,
and the monitoring of avian influenza can be found on the CDC’s website, updated regularly.
"ADHS is collaborating with AZDA and local health departments in the response to avian influenza
and will continue to monitor influenza activity in Arizona in collaboration with local health
departments. While the risk to the general public remains low, workers and individuals that may be at
risk for exposure to avian influenza should follow public health guidance," said Nicole Witt, ADHS
Assistant Director of Preparedness.
The affected location has been placed under quarantine and efforts have taken place to perform virus
elimination. All applicable sanitation responses have been quickly implemented. Our dedicated and
experienced team continues to monitor the situation closely.
Sick Bird Hotline: If you see signs of illness in your poultry, report them immediately to USDA at
1-866-536-7593. You can also contact your local cooperative extension office, local veterinarian, or
your State Veterinarian. For wild bird illness, please contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department.​

https://agriculture.az.gov/news/press-release-avian-influenza-detection-112524

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Seasonal Flu for Maricopa County ending 11/24/24

MARICOPA COUNTY
Influenza cases reported: 2,708​
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https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/...l/flu/index.php#surveillance-influenza-season