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Arkansas confirms HPAI in a backyard flock

Arkansas has confirmed its third case of highly pathogenic avian influenza.  Arkansas Secretary of Ag Wes Ward says testing confirmed the virus in an Arkansas County backyard flock after an increase in mortality. 

The state department of ag says there have been several reports of HPAI in wild birds along the Mississippi Flyway and it is urging poultry owners to enhance biosecurity measures on their operations to protect their flocks.

The Livestock and Poultry Division strongly recommends producers keep bird indoors or covered to prevent exposure to wild or migratory birds, restrict access to any source of water that could be contaminated by wild birds, and implement strict biosecurity methods to prevent exposure to wild waterfowl.

Enhanced biosecurity measures include limiting, monitoring, and recording any movement of people, vehicles, or animals on or off farms, permit only essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm, avoid visiting other poultry farms, disinfect equipment, vehicles, and footwear that come into contact with flocks, and keep flocks away from wild or migratory birds.    

There is no public health concern, and avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain safe to eat.