LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT/Edited News Right) – Arkansas agriculture and health agencies are urging the public to avoid contact with wild birds, especially birds that appear sick or are found dead, due to detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Arkansas.
Testing has confirmed HPAI in wild birds and in backyard and commercial flocks statewide. Wild birds, particularly migrating waterfowl, are the primary source of virus spread to domestic poultry and other birds.
Agencies warn 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…