State agriculture officials have confirmed a new case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, at a commercial poultry farm in Cleveland County, according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
The case was identified following an investigation conducted by the department in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of HPAI in poultry at the affected facility.
It marks the third commercial poultry farm in Cleveland County to test positive for HPAI this year. Two previous cases were confirmed in January.
State officials said the affected farm has been placed under quarantine, and response and containment measures are underway in accordance with established disease-control protocols. Those measures include additional testing and quarantining of nearby poultry flocks to help prevent further spread.
“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 in a statement. “The risk to Arkansans remains low, and poultry and eggs that are properly handled and fully cooked are safe to consume.”
In addition to commercial operations, HPAI has been confirmed this year in several backyard poultry flocks and wild birds across Arkansas. The virus is highly contagious among birds and can cause severe illness or sudden death in poultry, posing a serious threat to the state’s poultry industry.
Arkansas’ poultry industry generated $6.7 billion in direct agricultural cash receipts in 2024, making it one of the state’s most significant agricultural sectors. Officials note that even a single detection of HPAI can disrupt trade and local food supply chains.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is urging poultry owners and growers to remain vigilant and follow strict biosecurity practices. Recommended measures include washing hands and footwear before and after contact with birds, restricting access to poultry areas, limiting exposure to wild birds, quarantining new birds for at least two weeks before introducing them to existing flocks, and reporting sick or dead birds immediately.
Suspected cases can be reported to the department’s sick bird hotline at (501) 823-1746.
