LITTLE ROCK — A chicken in Scott County is confirmed with avian influenza, and state officials have quarantined poultry within a 6.2-mile radius around the infected bird's farm.
The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission said Wednesday that the chicken tested positive for H7N7 low pathogenic avian influenza.
The agency is coordinating its response and deciding on additional testing with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Only the USDA can officially confirm avian flu cases.
Officials said recent flooding in Scott County was conducive to the spread of the virus. Chickens get avian flu from infected waterfowl or contaminated water.
The Arkansas Health Department says there is no public health threat and that properly cooked poultry won't spread the disease to people.