hat tip a friend of FluTrackers
Official statement
Avian Influenza Confirmed in Arkansas Commercial Poultry Flock; Producers Urged to Take Precautions
LITTLE ROCK, AR – 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. 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 Laboratory has confirmed poultry from this
farm have tested positive 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
infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.
There is no public health concern, and avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain safe
to eat.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture and partner agencies, including the USDA, are working to contain the situation.
Actions include sampling and quarantining nearby poultry flocks.
“We have taken immediate action to contain this disease and will continue to work with poultry growers, the industry,
and our laboratory partners to protect against its spread,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Arkansas
poultry is safe to eat, and consumers can be confident in the safety of their food.”
“This finding is the first case of HPAI in commercial poultry in Arkansas since 2015,” said LPD Director Patrick Fisk.
“Positive test results were confirmed by the USDA National Veterinary Service Laboratory in Ames, Iowa.”
The detected avian influenza virus is the highly pathogenic H5 type, which is more severe and can cause high mortality in
poultry flocks. It is the same strain confirmed in other states and wild birds in the Atlantic flyway.
“The farm is under quarantine to stop the spread of avian influenza to other flocks in the state,” said Arkansas State
Veterinarian John Nilz. “The birds on the affected farm were depopulated to prevent the spread of disease and will not
enter the food system.”
All poultry flock owners are encouraged to follow the strictest biosecurity on their farms to prevent the spread of the
disease. Those steps include:
• Limit, monitor, and record any movement of people, vehicles, or animals on or off your farm.
• Permit only essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm to limit the chances of bringing the virus from an
outside source.
• Avoid visiting other poultry farms and any unnecessary travel off the farm.
• Disinfect equipment, vehicles, footwear, and other items that come into contact with flocks.
• Keep your flock away from wild or migratory birds, especially waterfowl.
• Isolate any ill animals and contact your veterinarian.
https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-HPAI-Draft-release-revised.pdf
