LITTLE ROCK – Testing has confirmed a case of avian influenza on an Arkansas poultry farm in Madison County that showed increased mortality over the course of several days, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture has announced.
Avian influenza is considered a major issue to the commercial poultry industry, which generates about $128 million in revenue annually in Cleveland County, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Following an investigation by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Livestock and Poultry Division (LPD) in collaboration with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Veterinary Services field operations personnel, the USDA National Veterinary Services Labo‐ratory has confirmed poultry from this farm have tested posi‐tive for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI).
Avian influenza is an airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among chickens through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with in‐fected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.
There is no public health con‐cern, and avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain safe to eat.
The UA Department of Agri‐culture Cooperative Extension Service is offering two online seminars offering biosecurity tips for backyard poultry owners to help protect flocks. The semi‐nars will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 18 and again at 6 p.m. on Oct. 20. To register, go to https://bit .ly/Registration-Avian-In‐fluenza Biosecurity-Tips. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture and partner agen‐cies, including the USDA, are working to contain the situation. Actions include sampling and quarantining nearby poultry flocks.
“We have taken immediate ac‐tion to contain this disease and will continue to work with poul‐try growers, the industry, and our labora...
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