Fall waterfowl migration prompts poultry biosecurity webinar series

Oct. 9, 2026 

By Sarah Cato 
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture 

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A white chicken head
BIOSECURITY — Extension Poultry Extension Health Veterinarian said biosecurity measures are the best defense for poultry flocks. (UADA photo.)

LITTLE ROCK — With fall waterfowl migration approaching, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture will host six free webinars beginning Oct. 12 that cover poultry management and flock health with a focus on biosecurity. 

Waterfowl migration poses a significant risk to commercial and backyard poultry operations, as wild birds can carry highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, said Dustan Clark, extension poultry health veterinarian for UADA and associate director of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. 

“Biosecurity measures remain our best defense for commercial poultry operations and backyard poultry flocks,” Clark said. “Nearly all of these webinar topics relate to poultry management and biosecurity to help owners better protect their flocks.” 

Webinar series schedule  

Oct. 12, 2 p.m. — “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Update and Biosecurity Preparations for the Fall Waterfowl Migration” — Clark 

Oct. 15, 1 p.m. — “Bird Selection, Genetics and Hatching Principles for Poultry Biosecurity” — Sara Orlowski-Workman, UADA, extension specialist and associate professor  

Oct. 19, 2 p.m. — “Poultry Food Safety” — Elizabeth Berner, UADA, Washington County extension agent 

Oct. 27, 6 p.m. — “The National Poultry Improvement Plan Biosecurity for Small Flock Owners” — Kevin Simmons, Arkansas Department of Agriculture, agriculture program supervisor for the National Poultry Improvement Plan 

Oct. 29, 6 p.m. — “Poultry Behavior Principles” — Diana K. Clark, guest speaker 

Nov. 10, 6 p.m. — “HPAI Update and Cold Weather Preparations for Hobby/Small Poultry Flocks” — Clark 

Registration is free but required for each webinar. Registration and more information can be found online. 

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.   

About UADA  

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, UADA conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.   

UADA is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three university campuses.     

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Dustan Clark at 479-957-4245 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay. 

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