avian flu

Gov. Katie Hobbs has ordered the state Department of Agriculture to delay its rules mandating cage-free eggs until 2034.

As H5 bird flu impacts bird populations, and some who work with poultry, local health officials recommend residents who keep chickens pay special attention to their flock’s health.

Coconino County health officials say wastewater in Flagstaff has tested positive for avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

Wildlife officials say antibodies found in early results of a new vaccine trial are expected to give endangered California condors at least partial protection from the deadliest strain of avian influenza in U.S. history.

Environmental advocates this week urged the federal government to expedite approvals for a vaccine, warning that the avian flu strain — which has already killed at least 17% of the Arizona-Utah condor flock — is “jeopardizing the existence” of the iconic bird.

Twenty California condors in northern Arizona and southern Utah have died since March, and half of the endangered birds tested positive for a strain of avian flu.

Three California condors have died from avian flu in northern Arizona and authorities are trying to determine what killed five others in the flock.

Arizona egg producer Hickman Family Farms has opted to stop tours and double check its biosecurity program to minimize the chance of a bird flu outbreak. Hickman's has about 2 million egg-laying chickens in Arizona, California and Colorado.