The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued a notice reminding poultry growers and industry partners to remain alert to signs of highly pathogenic avian influenza on Monday.

The department stated a confirmed case of avian influenza in a backyard flock in Mississippi County.

"While this is currently the only confirmed detection, cases in neighboring states highlight the ongoing importance of prevention and monitoring," the department said.

Avian influenza is highly contagious and can affect both domestic and wild birds, causing sudden death or severe injury to poultry, according to the department.

Losses of poultry from the spread of disease could result in major economic losses for state poultry producers.

Arkansas rules require any suspected or confirmed case of avian influenza to

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