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Avian influenza confirmed in backyard poultry flock in eastern Baxter County
KTLO • • health
Key Points:
- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Arkansas this season, detected in a backyard poultry flock in eastern Baxter County.
- HPAI is a highly contagious virus that affects domestic and wild birds, causing severe illness or sudden death, and spreads through contact with infected birds and contaminated materials.
- The virus poses a significant economic threat to Arkansas’ $6.7 billion poultry industry, with potential disruptions to trade and food supply chains from even a single detection.
- State officials urge poultry owners to follow strict biosecurity measures, report suspected cases immediately, and cooperate with quarantine and control efforts to prevent further spread.
- Poultry owners should monitor their flocks closely, limit contact with wild birds, quarantine new birds, and contact the Department of Agriculture at 501-823-1746 if unusual illness or deaths occur.
