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The Arkansas Department of Agriculture recently confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) at a commercial farm in Cleveland County, marking the county’s third case this year. Additional outbreaks were reported in Drew and White Counties as fall waterfowl migration peaks. While Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward emphasized that the risk to humans remains low and properly cooked poultry is safe, the virus poses a significant threat to the state’s $6.7 billion poultry industry. Officials have quarantined affected areas and urge producers to implement strict biosecurity measures and report sick birds immediately to contain the spread.