State agencies are urging Arkansans to avoid contact with wild birds due to detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the state, according to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
The advisory highlights concerns about the spread of the virus from wild birds, especially migrating waterfowl, to domestic poultry. The agencies say that handling sick or dead birds, or bringing them into homes, barns, or vehicles, increases the risk of transmission to people, pets, and flocks.
“Wild birds, especially migrating waterfowl, are the primary source of virus spread to domestic poultry. Handling sick or dead birds, or bringing them into homes, barns, or vehicles, increases the risk of transmission to people, pets, and flocks,” the Arkansas Department of Agriculture said.
The department also said that staying aware and keeping distance from wild birds helps protect Arkansas agriculture and public health. Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms after exposure to birds or other animals potentially infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza should contact the Arkansas Department of Health Zoonotic Disease Section at 501-280-4136 or adh.zoonotic@arkansas.gov.
More information is available on the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Facebook page.
