Avian influenza spreading among flocks in Arkansas

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by George Jared ([email protected]) ago 735 views 

There are at least three counties in Arkansas where avian influenza has been detected in poultry flocks, said Dustan Clark, extension poultry veterinarian for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

“Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in a commercial broiler farm in Drew County and one backyard flock in White County,” he said. “The flocks are being depopulated and epidemiological tracebacks are in progress. It’s likely the White County flock was infected by exposure to wildfowl.”

Wildfowl migration is at its peak along the Mississippi Flyway.

On Dec. 19, avian influenza was confirmed in a commercial flock in Cleveland County. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, said there were 71 confirmed infected flocks nationwide in the last 30 days. Twenty-four were commercial and 47 were backyard flocks. The count did not include the White or Drew county instances.

The flu has impacted more than 1.16 million birds nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Clark said public reports of dead and dying wildfowl are increasing.

“If you see any dead wildfowl, do not touch it,” he said. “Do report it to the state agriculture department or state wildlife officials.”

Since 2022, avian influenza has cost the poultry industry billions of dollars in losses. Arkansas is one of the leafing poultry producers in the nation. The sector employs 40,000 people in the state. Arkansas typically ranks in the top three in broiler production and was fourth in turkey production in 2023. 

Clark said a series of in-person seminars for backyard flock owners will be conducted in various counties and online webinars for commercial growers and hobby owners will start after the first of January.

Taking appropriate biosecurity measures is the best defense for backyard or commercial flocks. Visit the Cooperative Extension Service biosecurity page. The public is encouraged to report sick or dead wildfowl to:

  • USDA Wildlife Services: 866-487-3297 

  • USDA hotline to report illness in personally owned poultry flocks: 866-487-3297

  • Arkansas Department of Agriculture Poultry Disease Hotline to report suspected sick birds: 501-823-1746 

  • Arkansas State Veterinarian if you encounter sick waterfowl near a poultry operation: 501-297-2250.