Arkansas animal health officials are tracking a growing number of bird flu cases across the state, affecting both commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks.
State officials said the virus spreads primarily through wild migratory birds, making nearly any flock vulnerable.
Arkansas State Veterinarian Andrew Fidler said the risk extends far beyond individual farms. “Most of the outbreaks that we see are due to exposure to wild migratory birds,” Fidler said. “Practically any backyard flock or commercial poultry operation can be exposed and potentially infected.”
The state’s poultry industry generates more than $6 billion annually, and infections can have major economic consequences.
Fidler said response activities, which can include depopulation of infected birds, can significantly impact both commercial operations and backyard flocks. “In terms of backyard flocks that can also be devastating as well because the response is also depopulation,” he said. “So that’s not a good thing for folks with backyard birds to go through and can also be damaging if they rely on those birds for meat or eggs.”
To limit the spread, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture coordinates rapid state and federal responses when cases are detected. “That response includes depopulation of the flock in which the disease was identified, as well as implementing certain movement restrictions, testing protocols and surveillance protocols around those premises when it’s a commercial premises,” Fidler said.
The University of Arkansas Extension is hosting workshops and webinars to help small flock owners recognize symptoms and improve biosecurity:
- January 20 at 6 p.m.: Diagnostic Testing at the Arkansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for the Backyard Flock Owner. Register: https://uada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5zy7Ojz9Q5WeWaPHrwgPrA
- January 22 from 6-7 p.m.: Biosecurity Practices for Poultry Diseases Control in Backyard/Hobby Flocks. Register: https://uada.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_17F9qLdmRBKWmf3XPxyeMA
- February 9 at 6:30 p.m.: Identifying and Controlling Poultry Diseases in Backyard/Hobby Flocks. Faulkner County Extension Office, 844 Faulkner St, Conway, AR 72034. Phone: 501-329-8344
