Avian Flu Found in Drew, White County Flocks

By Mary Hightower

vian influenza has been found in two more flocks, Dustan Clark, extension poultry veterinarian for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said on Tuesday.

“As of this morning, highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in a commercial broiler farm in Drew County and one backyard flock in White County,” he said. “The flocks are being depopulated and epidemiological tracebacks are in progress.

“It’s likely the White County flock was infected by exposure to wildfowl,” he said.

Wildfowl migration is at its peak along the Mississippi Flyway.

On Dec. 19, avian influenza was confirmed in a commercial flock in Cleveland County. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, said there were 71 confirmed infected flocks nationwide in the last 30 days. Twenty-four were commercial and 47 were backyard flocks. The count did not include the White or Drew county instances.

Clark said public reports of dead and dying wildfowl are increasing.

“If you see any dead wildfowl, do not touch it,” he said. “Do report it to the state agriculture department or state wildlife officials.”