Arkansas poultry officials say avian flu found in turkeys; steps taken to isolate sick birds

Arkansas poultry officials say a strain of avian flu has been detected in a commercial turkey flock in the northern part of the state and that the sick birds are being destroyed.

The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission said Wednesday it was following federal protocols to ensure the affected birds did not enter the food supply. Tests will also be conducted to make sure the disease hasn't spread.

The virus is not known to cause disease in humans.

The agency said it was notified of a potential infection on Sunday and that test results by the National Veterinary Services Lab confirmed the presence of the H5N2 flu.

Missouri agriculture officials said this week that avian flu had been found on two turkey farms in that state.