Flock at Arkansas poultry farm with bird flu depopulated

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT/Edited News Release) - The flock at one Arkansas poultry farm that tested positive for avian influenza has been depopulated, according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.

A spokesperson for the ADA told our content partner KNWA that there are no new cases of avian influenza in the state.

This comes after the farm in Madison County tested positive for the virus earlier this month.

Following an investigation by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Livestock and Poultry Division in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Veterinary Services, the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed poultry from the farm had tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI).

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

“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 when the virus was first detected. “Arkansas poultry is safe to eat, and consumers can be confident in the safety of their food.”

Under the provisions of the Poultry Disease and Flock Condemnation Rule, it is prohibited to conduct the following actions within an affected area:

Exhibit poultry and domestic waterfowl.
Move poultry or domestic waterfowl.
Sell, barter, trade, auction, or give away poultry or domestic waterfowl at fairs, swap meets, auctions, flea markets, and similar events and locations.

An affected area was determined by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture of approximately 25 miles surrounding a flock with a confirmed case of HPAI. The boundaries of the affected area for the confirmed case in Madison County were Gateway (northernmost), Osage (easternmost), Combs (southernmost), and Harmon (westernmost).

Additionally, all free-range and backyard poultry within an affected area, whether intended for commercial or noncommercial use, must be confined under cover or inside structures to prevent contamination from migratory birds. Backyard flock owners who have sick or unusual deaths in their flocks should email info@agriculture. arkansas.gov or call (501) 823-1746.

“The flock that tested positive for avian influenza in Madison County has been depopulated. The farm is currently going through the cleaning and disinfecting phase. There are no new cases of avian influenza in the state,” said a spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.

More information on avian influenza and for protecting poultry can be found on the USDA’s website.