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LITTLE ROCK, AR –Arkansas agriculture and health agencies are urging the public to avoid contact with wild birds, especially birds that appear sick or are found dead, due to detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Arkansas. Testing has confirmed HPAI in wild birds and in backyard and commercial flocks statewide. Wild birds, particularly migrating waterfowl, are the primary source of virus spread to domestic poultry and other birds. Agencies warn that handling sick or dead wild birds, or bringing them into homes, barns, or vehicles, can spread the virus and pose risks to people, pets, and domestic

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

LITTLE ROCK, AR – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders pardoned two turkeys, “Lilly” and “Sprinkles,” today during an event celebrating Arkansas’s turkey industry. The birds were raised by Caroline and Adeline Dixon of Morrilton, members of Conway County 4-H whose turkeys were named grand champion and reserve grand champion at the Conway County Fair. During the event, Governor Sanders proclaimed November 23-29 as Arkansas Turkey Week. Governor Sanders also thanked Butterball for donating a total of 58,000 pounds of turkey products this year to the Arkansas Foodbank, Arkansas River Valley Regional Foodbank, and Northwest Arkansas Foodbank. “Thanksgiving is about good

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is reminding poultry growers and industry partners to remain alert for signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and to follow biosecurity measures to protect flocks as detections continue across the United States. Last month, the Department confirmed the first case of HPAI in a backyard flock in Mississippi County. While this is currently the only confirmed detection, cases in neighboring states highlight the ongoing importance of prevention and monitoring. HPAI is a highly contagious virus that affects both domestic and wild birds. It can cause sudden death or severe