Avian Influenza Case Confirmed in Arkansas On Sunday March 8, 2015 the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission was notified of a potential infection of Avian Influenza in a commercial turkey flock in northern Arkansas. The flock was immediately quarantined and samples were taken and brought to the state veterinary diagnostic lab. The samples tested positive for Avian Influenza and were then sent to the National Veterinary Services Lab for final confirmation. Late yesterday evening the NVSL confirmed H5N2 Avian Influenza and now the Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission will follow strict USDA protocols to depopulate the affected flock so that no affected birds will enter the food supply. Additionally, surveillance and testing procedures will be implemented at properties near the affected facility to insure that the virus has not spread. The virus is not known to cause disease in humans.
For more information Contact: Bruce Holland, Executive Director
501-907-2400
