The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard domestic flock in eastern Baxter County. This marks the first detection of the virus in Arkansas during the current season.
The confirmation, announced on Tuesday, has prompted state agriculture officials to warn poultry owners in Baxter County and across north-central Arkansas to monitor their flocks for any signs of illness. The department is encouraging immediate action to reduce the spread of the disease, including following strict biosecurity practices.
The presence of avian influenza not only threatens domestic birds but also poses a significant economic risk to Arkansas’s $6.7 billion poultry industry. Even a single detection can disrupt trade and local food supply chains, affecting producers and distributors across the region.
State agricultural authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance, particularly for backyard and commercial poultry owners. Bird owners are advised to look for signs such as unusual illness or sudden deaths in their flocks, and to promptly report any concerns to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture by calling 501-823-1756.