The Arkansas Department of Agriculture confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Cleveland County and has quarantined the site while testing nearby flocks. State teams are conducting sampling and containment; officials say the public risk remains low and properly handled, fully cooked poultry and eggs are safe. Moderna received a $54.3 million investment to develop a bird flu vaccine. Authorities also reported the first U.S. human bird flu death in Louisiana.
Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu Detected At Cleveland County Poultry Farm — Quarantine And Testing Underway
Arkansas confirms case of bird flu in Cleveland County
CLEVELAND COUNTY, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (ADA) confirmed that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected on a commercial poultry farm in Cleveland County. The affected farm is under quarantine while state veterinarians and response teams conduct sampling and containment work.
Response Underway
ADA officials said teams are sampling nearby flocks and placing them under temporary quarantine as a precaution to limit any potential spread. The department is coordinating with poultry growers, industry partners, and laboratory teams to monitor and contain the disease.
“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,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “The risk to Arkansans remains low, and poultry and eggs that are properly handled and fully cooked are safe to consume.”
Vaccine Funding Update
Officials noted that Moderna received a $54.3 million investment to support development of a bird flu vaccine; the funding is reported to cover previously canceled federal mRNA contracts related to similar work.
What Poultry Owners Should Do
HPAI is a highly contagious virus that can affect both domestic and wild birds. The ADA urges poultry owners and hobbyists to follow biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of introducing or spreading the virus:
- Wash hands and footwear before and after contact with birds.
- Restrict visitors to areas where poultry are kept.
- Limit exposure to wild birds and avoid letting wild birds mix with flocks.
- Quarantine new birds for at least two weeks before introducing them to an existing flock.
If you find sick or dead birds, report them immediately to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture hotline at 501-823-1746. For additional guidance and updates, visit the Arkansas Department of Agriculture website.
Separately, authorities have reported the first confirmed U.S. human death linked to bird flu in Louisiana, underscoring the need for vigilance and continued monitoring.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, visit KARK.
