H5N1 is just one of many avian influenza (AI) viruses. 

The H5N1 avian flu virus is often referred to (loosely) as “bird flu”.

Outbreaks of other types of avian flu among poultry are not uncommon in the United States.

The state & federal departments of agriculture have surveillance and plans in place to detect outbreaks of AI in poultry in Arizona. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has experience in containing & controlling outbreaks of AI that occur in poultry flocks. 

Since January 2004, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe, and the Near East.  The cumulative number of confirmed human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) are available on the WHO Avian Influenza website.

All human cases of the H5N1 avian flu have occurred in Asia and almost all have been poultry handlers. This virus is not spreading from person-to-person (except w/ rare exception).

To date, the H5N1 avian flu has not been detected in the United States.

If at some future date the H5N1 avian flu is detected in the United States, there will be no need for panic, as it will still be predominately a bird virus, not a human-to-human virus.

Surveillance (antibody testing) is being done in Alaska to detect H5N1 in wild birds. Alaska is the most likely route (ex. Bering Strait) by which infected wild birds from Asia and Europe, etc. may enter North America.

If AI is detected in Alaska, plans will be initiated to expand wild bird surveillance along major bird migration routes, such as along the West Coast, Colorado River, etc.