Article submitted by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture
LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) has confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Cleveland County. Following an investigation by the Department in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, testing confirmed the presence of HPAI in poultry from the affected farm.
The farm is under quarantine, and the Department is working to implement response and containment measures in accordance with established protocols. These 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. “The risk to Arkansans remains low, and poultry and eggs that are properly handled and fully cooked are safe to consume.”
Testing this year has also confirmed cases of HPAI in several backyard flocks and wild birds in Arkansas. HPAI is a highly contagious virus that affects both domestic and wild birds. It can cause sudden death or severe illness in poultry and lead to major economic losses for the state’s poultry industry, which provided $6.7 billion in direct agricultural cash receipts in 2024. The virus spreads easily through contact with infected birds, contaminated equipment, or materials, and even a single detection can disrupt trade and local food supply chains.
The Department urges all poultry growers to remain alert for signs of HPAI and follow strict biosecurity measures, including: Washing hands and footwear before and after contact with birds. Restricting visitors to poultry areas. Limiting exposure to wild birds. Quarantining new birds for at least two weeks before introducing them to existing flocks. Reporting sick or dead birds immediately to the Department by calling the sick bird hotline: (501) 823-1746. More information, biosecurity guidance, and updates on HPAI in Arkansas can be found on the Department’s website here.
