Coconino County health officials say wastewater in Flagstaff has tested positive for avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
Scientists who work with the county to monitor wastewater for viruses also found bird DNA suggesting backyard chickens or wild birds could be the source.
So far, there are no reports of human or animal cases of H5 flu in Coconino County.
Arizona health officials say they're aware of three infected animals statewide — one at the Wildlife World Zoo in west Phoenix and two at a commercial farm in Pinal County.
But there’s no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
H5 flu can range from a mild respiratory illness to severe pneumonia, organ failure and death.
Officials recommend people avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead animals and their droppings or bedding and shouldn’t consume unpasteurized or raw dairy products.
Symptoms of H5 flu in chickens can include lethargy, reduced appetite, purple discoloration or swelling of the comb, wattles, and legs, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, reduced egg production, and soft-shelled or misshapen eggs, and sudden death with no prior signs.
Officials urge those who see signs of illness in poultry to call the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Sick Bird Hotline at 1-866-536-7593.
