On February 12, 2026, Arkansas agriculture and health agencies urged the public to avoid contact with wild birds following detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the state. Officials said that testing has confirmed HPAI in wild birds as well as backyard and commercial flocks statewide.
The agencies said that wild birds, particularly migrating waterfowl, are the primary source of virus spread to domestic poultry and other birds. They warned that handling sick or dead wild birds, or bringing them into homes, barns, or vehicles, can spread the virus and pose risks to people, pets, and domestic flocks.
Guidance from the agencies includes not touching or moving wild birds that appear sick or are found dead. The public is advised not to bring wild birds into homes, vehicles, barns, or coops for any reason. People should keep their distance from wild birds that appear lethargic or disoriented and keep pets away from wild birds and carcasses. The agencies also recommend avoiding areas where large numbers of wild birds are congregating when possible.
Hunters and bird watchers are advised to take precautions such as wearing gloves when handling birds or equipment, washing hands thoroughly after contact, and avoiding consumption of birds that appear sick or were found dead. Concentrations of sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at agfc.com/education/avian-influenza/. Suspected poultry illness or deaths should be reported to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s sick bird hotline at (501) 823-1746.
Poultry growers are encouraged to follow biosecurity practices including washing hands and footwear before and after contact with birds, restricting visitors to poultry areas, limiting exposure to wild birds, and quarantining new birds for at least two weeks before introducing them to existing flocks.
Although human cases of HPAI are rare, people exposed to infected birds or contaminated environments should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and wear appropriate protective equipment if handling is necessary. Anyone developing flu-like symptoms after exposure is encouraged to contact the Arkansas Department of Health Zoonotic Disease Section at (501) 280-4136 or adh.zoonotic@arkansas.gov before seeking in-person medical care so proper evaluation can be coordinated. More information is available on the Arkansas Department of Agriculture website.
