MADISON COUNTY, Arkansas — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (ADA) confirmed a case of avian influenza (bird flu) on a poultry farm in Madison County on Thursday.
The case was confirmed after an investigation by the ADA’s Livestock and Poultry Division with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Veterinary Services, and the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory.
According to the USDA, the investigation led to a positive case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) at the farm.
Officials say there's no public health concern and that the avian flu doesn't affect poultry meat or egg products, which are still safe to eat. However, HPAI can spread rapidly between flocks and be fatal to chickens, according to the USDA.
“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,” Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward said. “Arkansas poultry is safe to eat, and consumers can be confident in the safety of their food.”
“The farm is under quarantine to stop the spread of avian influenza to other flocks in the state,” Arkansas State Veterinarian John Nilz said. He says the virus is being spread through the migration of wild birds.
"So right now the disease has taken up residence in wild birds. And so that's why we're seeing it at this time of the year. It's a migratory pattern for birds to come through. Fecal material gets dropped on the ground, somebody steps into that walks into a barn, and that's how you get the transmission." Dr. Nilz said.
Fortunately, experts say the virus appears to be getting less and less deadly over time.
"Over the years, it has decreased in its intensity. It's not as deadly as it used to be." Dr. Nilz continued.
Under the Poultry Disease and Flock Condemnation Rule, if your flock is infected or in proximity to an infection, it is prohibited to exhibit, move, sell, barter, trade, auction, or give away poultry or domestic waterfowl at fairs, swap meets, auctions, flea markets, and other events.
The ADA says this applies to approximately 25 miles surrounding a confirmed case. The boundaries for the case in Madison County extend to Gateway, Osage, Combs, and Harmon.
Flock owners who experience sickness or unusual deaths in their flock should email info@agriculture.arkansas.gov or call (501) 823-1746.
Stay with 5NEWS on this developing story.