Webinars to tackle avian influenza to be offered to poultry producers

Avian influenza, a deadly virus that can decimate poultry flocks, has been found in Arkansas and public officials are now attempting to educate producers about what steps to take if their flocks become infected. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is hosting two webinar workshops this month to educate producers.

The first workshop will be held Tuesday (Dec. 5) and is slated for commercial industry producers. The second, scheduled for Dec. 12, is aimed at small and backyard hobby flock owners. Dustan Clark, extension poultry health veterinarian for the Division of Agriculture, will lead both webinars.

As of Nov. 30, there are confirmed cases of the H5N1 avian influenza in 47 states, including Arkansas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The most recent detection in Arkansas was Nov. 29, in a commercial broiler production flock in Carroll County.

There is no public health concern, according to officials, 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.

Under the provisions of the Poultry Disease and Flock Condemnation Rule poultry and waterfowl cannot be exhibited in an affected area. Poultry and waterfowl cannot be moved within an impacted area, and none can be sold, bartered, traded, auctioned, or given away at swap meets, auctions, flea markets or other similar events and locations.

An affected area is an area determined by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture of approximately 25 miles surrounding a flock with a confirmed case of HPAI. The boundaries of the affected area for the confirmed case in Madison County are Gateway (northernmost), Osage (easternmost), Combs (southernmost), and Harmon (westernmost).