Arkansas’s poultry sector remained largely stable through 2025 despite continued threats from avian influenza and other poultry viruses. While chicken and turkey prices stayed near 2024 levels thanks to strong demand, higher production, and lower feed costs, the state still faced periodic HPAI outbreaks, including a December case in Cleveland County. Nationally, bird flu outbreaks from late 2024 to early 2025 caused major egg losses and record-high prices before stabilizing. Turkey producers also struggled with avian metapneumovirus, which reduced hatchability and flock health. Researchers found that preventive vaccination against HPAI could be highly cost-effective, but warned that “biosecurity fatigue” among workers could undermine disease prevention.
Helpful Links from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Wild Birds: http://agfc.com/education/avian-influenza
Backyard Poultry: http://uaex.uada.edu/counties
Human Exposure or Illness Concerns: https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/diseases-conditions/diseases-from-animals-insects/avian-influenza-h5n1-virus-bird-flu/
Livestock or Domestic Birds: https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/home-page-hero-slide/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza/