June 24, 2013

After a mild form of avian influenza was discovered, almost 10,000 birds have been destroyed in Arkansas farm in the US.

The USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission are conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation on the 44-week-old commercial broiler breeder flock in Scott County.

Testing of the flock was initiated after birds exhibited a drop in egg production of approximately 10%, according to a report submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Egg production was returning to normal and the birds appeared healthy at the time of inspection. No increased mortality or respiratory signs were reported.

The farm, which supplies birds to Tyson Foods, and all farms within a 6.2 mile radius have been quarantined. However, no additional cases have been found on nearby farms.