Doctors explain if Bird Flu is dangerous to humans after Wildlife World Zoo outbreak

PHOENIX – Valley doctors are weighing in on a recent breakout of bird flu cases across metro Phoenix. 

This comes after five animals just died at the Wildlife World Zoo. 

We spoke with doctors who shared what you should know about this virus. 

The Department of Health Services is on alert, coming off a rash of cases, but the concern is not too high at this point. 

Officials say it’s important to remain calm, but be aware of the outbreak happening among animals in the Valley. 

“When it comes to avian flu, illness happens to be very mild,” Dr. Joel Terriquez with DHS said reassuringly.

Cases started popping up in November with birds at a poultry farm in Pinal County showing signs of illness. 

Another flock of poultry in Maricopa County tested positive for bird flu last month, per DHS. 

Last week, officials reported the first human H5 cases in Arizona. 

Both people were exposed to infected poultry while working at a facility in Pinal County. 

Officials say they had mild symptoms and have since recovered. 

“Human-to-human transmission has not been proven and the risk for infection is only high for those individuals that are handling ill animals without the appropriate protective equipment,” Terriquez said.

On Wednesday, Wildlife World Zoo told FOX 10 that six animals tested positive for the virus. Five died, including a cheetah and a mountain lion. 

The park says the root of the spread came from wild birds that don’t live in the facility. 

Most recently in Coconino County, health officials say bird flu has been detected in wastewater – but there are no reports of human or animal cases right now. 

“It’s really at this point about worker protection, gloves, masks that sort of thing,” he said.

Will Humble is the executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, and former director of the state’s health department. 

He says those who work in the poultry or cattle industry need to take precaution. 

We asked if there is a chance the disease could turn to human-to-human transmission. 

“Yes, that’s correct, the likelihood is quite low right now but it’s not impossible,” Humble said.

According to the CDC, there have been nearly 60 confirmed human cases of the H5 bird flu. The majority are in California with 32 cases followed by Washington and Colorado. 

The sources of exposure vary between cattle and poultry. 

Dr. William Carroll with Intracare has some advice:

“If you haven’t gotten the flu vaccine yet, you really should get one. I was expecting a surge after Thanksgiving. I have not seen one, thank goodness, but that means that we’re probably going to have our typical Arizona flu season, which is the flu usually after January,” Carroll said. 

ADHS works with different jurisdictions and agencies like the Department of Agriculture on the monitoring of animals, while the officials also provide monitoring for humans interacting with infected animals, providing medication for those who are at risk.