[WHAT] Severe weather and heavy rainfall
[WHEN] Late Tuesday night through Saturday night. ○ Severe weather threat late Tuesday night through Thursday. ○ Heavy rainfall and resulting flash/river flooding threat Wednesday through Saturday.
[WHERE] Most of the state will be at risk for severe weather as well as the heavy rainfall.
Strong to severe thunderstorms possible in Arkansas this weekend
The chances of strong to severe thunderstorms remain Sunday afternoon into Sunday night.
Multiple medium to long range models continue to show agreement in the possibility of severe weather, with the greatest confidence across the central and eastern sections of Arkansas.
However, it should be noted that this possible severe weather event is still several days out and changes to the forecast are likely heading into the weekend.
Monitor the latest briefings regarding the expected timing, severe weather impacts, along with the general location(s) potentially affected.
Four States Ag Expo offers growers, producers latest research-based information
(Division of Agriculture photo)
By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture
TEXARKANA, Ark. – The Four States Agricultural Expo returns Feb. 13, bringing together growers and producers from Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma area to learn about the latest research and resources available for commercial horticulture, livestock and forages, integrated pest management, home gardening, lawn, pond management, and more.
The expo is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Four States Fairgrounds, 3700 E. 50th Street in Texarkana. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. All growers and producers from the four-state region are invited. The expo is free, open to the public, and includes lunch. No registration is required. Lunch will be provided by Farm Credit of Western Arkansas and Texas Farm Bureau - Bowie County. Sponsors and donors include Cavender’s Texarkana and Simmons Bank-Jonathan Shumate.
The event is a joint project of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, with experts from both agencies presenting workshops throughout the day.
“We usually have around 350 people attend,” said Jennifer Caraway, Miller County extension agent. “Every year we offer a variety of agricultural sessions about livestock and forages, row crops, horticulture, commercial horticulture, timber and wildlife management, and pond management."
Continuing education units — CEUs — are available for licensed pesticide applicators. Texas pesticide applicators pay $10 for up to five hours of CEU credits. Arkansas pesticide applicator training will be available at the expo. The cost is $65, with $20 paid to Miller County Cooperative Extension and $45 paid to Arkansas State Plant Board to obtain a five-year license.
Concurrent programs will begin at 8:30 a.m. and include the following topics and speakers:
8:30 a.m.
Managing Vegetation in Farm Ponds – Tyson Keese, pond management program specialist, Texas A&M.
Vaccination Protocols for Beef Cattle – Meg Harrington, NAH Livestock Consulting.
Production & Management of Blueberries – Tim Hartman, assistant professor, extension specialist, integrated pest management Texas A&M
9:45 a.m.
Alternative Forages for Livestock – Jonathan Kubesch, extension forage specialist, Division of Agriculture.
The Fate of Dicamba and Rice Weed Control – Bob Scott, extension weed scientist, Division of Agriculture.
Production and Management of Tomatoes – John Gavin, Bradley County extension agent, Division of Agriculture.
Beekeeping 101 – Garrett Slater, assistant professor and apiculture extension entomologist, Texas A&M.
11 a.m.
Managing Fish Populations in Farm Ponds – Tyson Keese, Texas A&M.
Treating Common Diseases in Beef Cattle – Robert Bonner, DVM, Nashville Animal Hospital.
Production and Management of Peaches – Tim Hartmann, Texas A&M.
Noon-1 p.m.: Lunch
1 p.m.
Safe Use of Pesticides Around the Farm – Bob Scott, extension weed scientist, Division of Agriculture.
Grassy Weed Control in Pastures and Hay – Chad Cummings, Texas A&M county extension agent-agriculture and natural resources.
Pests, Pathogens, Pesticides, and Poor Nutrition and Their Impact on Bee Hives – Garrett Slater, Texas A&M.
2:15 p.m.
Broadleaf Weed Control in Pasture and Hay – Chad Cummings, Texas A&M.
Arkansas Pesticide Applicator Training – Jennifer Caraway, Miller County agricultural extension agent, Division of Agriculture.
Texas Auxin Training – Brian Triplett, county agent-agriculture and natural resources, Texas A&M.
For more information about the expo, contact the Miller County Extension office at 870-779-3609. To learn more about Division of Agriculture extension programs, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uark.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
With committees ready to hear bills and legislative priorities taking shape, the 2025 Regular Session is off to a productive start.
Several House committees held their organizational meetings this week. These committees are now prepared to begin reviewing and debating the over 170 bills that have been filed in the House so far.
Among the early legislative actions, the House passed HB1056, a bill to establish a Joint Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. This new committee will consist of 12 House members and 8 Senate members from the Senate State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee. It will focus on ongoing studies related to military and veterans' issues, a critical area currently handled by the House Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs Committee. A resolution is expected soon to rename that committee to reflect its shifting responsibilities.
Earlier in the week, the Governor addressed the 95th General Assembly and outlined her legislative agenda. A centerpiece of her plan is the Arkansas ACCESS initiative, which aims to expand access to higher education and non-degree credentials for Arkansans. She also proposed eliminating the state grocery tax, using revenue from medical marijuana sales to fund free school breakfasts for all Arkansas students, and enacting legislation to ban cell phone use in schools. In addition, the Governor announced plans to update the Social Media Safety Act to ensure its enforceability and expand the Communist China Defense Act, which would involve divesting state resources from China and banning adversaries from purchasing land near critical infrastructure like military bases and electric substations.
The week began with House members sworn into office on Monday and the election of Representative Brian S. Evans of Cabot as Speaker of the House for the 95th General Assembly. Following his election, Speaker Evans announced his committee chairmanships and leadership appointments, which are now available on the House website at arkansashouse.org.
As the first week concludes, the House looks ahead to a busy session. The House will reconvene on Tuesday, January 21, at 1:30 p.m., after observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The Arkansas General Assembly will convene for the 2025 Regular Session on Monday, January 13.
The first day of the session will include the swearing-in of all members and the formal election of the Speaker of the House. While the Speaker is officially elected at the start of the session, the 94th General Assembly previously selected Rep. Brian Evans of Cabot as Speaker-designate.
On January 14, the second day of the session, House and Senate members will convene jointly in the House Chamber to hear an address from Governor Sanders. This address will outline the Governor’s legislative priorities and provide key recommendations on the pressing issues facing Arkansas.
Several important deadlines will shape the legislative process this session. Members must file legislation affecting publicly supported retirement or pension plans, the licensure of health care providers, or state/public school health insurance by January 27. Legislation regarding lottery-funded scholarships or constitutional amendments must be filed by February 12, and all appropriation bills must be filed by March 3.
The Speaker will announce committee chair assignments on the first day of the session, and those assignments will be available at arkansashouse.org. Committee meetings and House floor proceedings are open to the public, providing Arkansans with an opportunity to see and participate in the legislative process. Those who wish to voice their support or opposition to a bill can sign in to speak during committee meetings, ensuring their perspectives are heard.
House committee meetings and floor proceedings are live-streamed and recorded, ensuring Arkansans can follow the legislative process in real-time from anywhere. Agendas and links to live-streams can be accessed at arkansashouse.org.
As your state representatives work to address issues ranging from education to health care to economic development, we invite all Arkansans to engage with the legislative process. Whether you reach out to your representative, attend a committee meeting, or follow our live streams, your input helps shape the future of our state.
Snow pictures from De Queen Lake in Southwest Arkansas on January 9th and 10th
Photo Images by Jon Bunyard
Winter weather headed for Arkansas; briefing attached
Winter Storm Warnings continue across the vast majority of Arkansas through the Thursday-Friday (January 9-10) timeframe. A Winter Weather Advisory is posted in the far southeast. The Winter Storm Warning area currently encompasses where the highest confidence for impactful conditions exist.
NWS issues a Winter Storm Warning for southern and central Arkansas
Portions of the Winter Storm Watch have been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning, valid through the Thursday-Friday (January 9-10) timeframe. The Winter Storm Warning area currently encompasses where the highest confidence for impactful conditions exist. Changes and expansions to the watch and warning areas are still possible and should be expected!
WHAT HAS CHANGED: Portions of the Winter Storm Watch have been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning, mainly including the southern half of the state (south of I-40). This largely includes where confidence of impactful snowfall is currently highest. Expansions of the warning are still possible!
WHAT WE KNOW: A strong storm system is forecast to impact Arkansas Thursday morning through Friday evening bringing heavy snow across much of the state. Greatest confidence for impacts will be across west-central to central Arkansas.
WHAT WE DON’T KNOW: Exact placement of greatest snow amounts, and where locally greater totals could occur due to banding. Where snow may change over to sleet, freezing rain, or just rain near the Louisiana border. Expect changes and refinement to the forecast!
Arkansas Tourism Ticker: 2% tourism tax revenue on pace to set new record
by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)
Arkansas’ 2% tourism tax revenue between January and August was $18.392 million, up 5.2% compared with the $17.482 million in the same period of 2023. The August revenue of $2.254 million set a new record for the month. A record for monthly 2% collections was set in June with $2.839 million.
Of the top five counties in terms of 2% tax collections, Pulaski and Garland counties posted declines of 0.83% and 2.68%, respectively. Benton County posted the largest percentage increase among the top five counties at 14.76%.
The 2% tourism tax revenue in 2023 was $25.446 million, up 5.8% compared with the $24.049 million in 2023. Revenue in each month of 2023 set a new record, with those gains compared to record numbers in 2023.
Arkansas Tourism Ticker: 2% tourism tax revenue on pace to set new record
Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The Arkansas House Committee for Aging, Children and Youth, and Legislative and Military Affairs met this week and reviewed the annual report from the Department of Human Services' Division of Children and Family Services. The report provided significant insights into the state's foster care system during State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2024.
At the conclusion of SFY 2024, Arkansas had 3,553 children in foster care, representing a notable decrease of 12 percent from the previous fiscal year's count of 4,023. This decline indicates progress in addressing the needs of children in the state's care.
One key highlight from the report was the observation that more children exited foster care during SFY 2024 than entered the system, demonstrating positive strides in achieving permanency for these vulnerable children. Neglect and substance abuse emerged as the predominant reasons for children entering foster care throughout the year.
Of the children who left foster care in SFY 2024, 42 percent were reunified with their families, 30 percent were adopted, and 9 percent were discharged to relative custody. Notably, a significant 92 percent of children exiting care in Arkansas achieved permanency through avenues such as returning home, placement with relatives, adoption, or other permanent arrangements.
The division’s goal is to have at least one foster home bed available for each child in foster care. The ratio of licensed foster home beds to children in foster care was 0.75 at the end of the year, identical to the previous year.
Foster parents help support families during a difficult time. They work as a team with the child’s case worker to ensure the well-being of the child in their care. A foster parent’s impact reaches far as they provide a positive influence across the community. If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent, we’ve posted a link on our website with information about the process. Visit arkansashouse.org.
Butterball closing Jonesboro plant, 180 workers affected
by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
Butterball will shutter its Jonesboro turkey processing facility next year impacting about 180 workers. The tentative plan is to close the plant by Feb. 3, 2025, according to a release from the company.
A reason for the closure was not released. Production at the Jonesboro plant, which produced cooked, ready-to-eat deli breasts, will be moved to other Butterball facilities.
Workers at the plant were informed during a meeting Wednesday (Dec. 4). Those who stay will be paid in compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications Act. It wasn’t immediately known if some of the displaced workers will be moved to other facilities within the company’s system.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are starting to think about our shopping lists and where we want to spend our hard-earned money. Now is the perfect time to consider supporting small businesses in Arkansas.
First and foremost, shopping at small businesses is a direct way to support your local community. With over 280,000 small businesses across the state, they represent 99.3% of all Arkansas businesses. By choosing to shop locally, you’re not just supporting the owners and employees of these establishments; you’re contributing to the economic health of your neighborhood. Small businesses are often the backbone of communities, providing jobs and a unique sense of identity. In fact, 47.5% of all Arkansas employees work for small businesses, underscoring their importance in our local economy.
Many small retailers curate products made locally or sourced from independent artisans, allowing you to give truly one-of-a-kind gifts to your loved ones. By supporting these businesses, you are investing in the creativity and talent of artists and craftsmen within your community.
Moreover, when you spend your dollars at small businesses, you ensure that a significant portion stays within the local economy. Research indicates that 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business remains in the community, creating a ripple effect that helps to create jobs and contribute to the overall economic well-being of your area. This reinvestment is crucial, especially during the holiday season when many businesses are counting on the influx of seasonal shoppers to sustain them through the year.
Additionally, small businesses play a critical role in job creation, accounting for two-thirds of net new jobs in our country. They drive innovation and competition, which ultimately benefits consumers by providing more choices and better services.
This holiday season, let’s celebrate local businesses and the vital role they play in making Arkansas a vibrant place to live and work.
Severe Weather Outlook for Arkansas from the National Weather Service in Little Rock
A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across western Arkansas Wednesday evening and Wednesday night.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible today across the region into this evening. Late tonight, strong to severe thunderstorms will be possible mainly northwest of the region. Look for strong south winds today outside thunderstorms with wind gusts upwards of 30 mph possible. There will continue to be an elevated fire threat due to very dry conditions with those conditions continuing until rainfall materializes later today into Thursday.
A few strong to severe thunderstorms are possible across eastern and southern Arkansas Thursday.
In SW AR, rain chances will continue through the end of the work week, into the upcoming weekend and into early next week as well. At this time, strong to severe thunderstorms do not appear likely through early next week. Temperatures will remain mostly above normal through the extended period as well.
The forecast for Halloween evening calls for rain chances across the southeast with dry conditions elsewhere. Temperatures will largely be in the 50s and 60s.
UAMS Establishes Proteomics Center of Excellence in Little Rock with Thermo Fisher Scientific
By Marty Trieschmann
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) announced the launch of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Center of Excellence for Proteomics at UAMS — the first and only academic-industry partnership of its kind in the United States.
The world leader in serving science, Thermo Fisher Scientific, entered into a formal agreement with the IDeA National Resource for Quantitative Proteomics, which was founded in 2020 with a $11 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the only NIH-funded proteomics service provider in the United States, providing the most cost-effective access to proteomics for any researcher in the U.S. performing biomedical research.
Proteomics allows researchers and clinicians to rapidly identify novel disease biomarkers, new drug targets and unique mechanisms driving human diseases. IDeA National Resource for Quantitative Proteomics is equipped with multiple Thermo Fisher advanced Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™ mass spectrometers, including the most recent installed state-of-the-art mass spectrometry technology, Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™ Astral™ mass spectrometer, to provide premium quantitative proteomics services to researchers.
UAMS Establishes Proteomics Center of Excellence in Little Rock with Thermo Fisher Scientific
Wildfire threats loom across state as drought conditions worsen
by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)
Nearly three-quarters of the state of Arkansas is under some type of drought designation, and wildfires are becoming an increasing danger as dry weather continues to loom across the Natural State.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought conditions exist throughout most of the state except for the extreme northeast corner. Most of the state is in stage 1 (moderate) or stage 2 (severe) drought. A pocket of counties in Northwest Arkansas is under the extreme designation, while parts of the Arkansas Delta are under the abnormally dry designation.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture noted that burn bans have been issued for 51 counties. The increased threat is primarily due to strong winds from a cold front combined with low humidity and dry conditions. To help residents understand the wildfire threat, the Department maintains a county-by-county wildfire danger map.
Wildfire threats loom across state as drought conditions worsen
October is Farm to School Month in Arkansas - State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As we enter the month of October, Arkansas gears up to celebrate Arkansas Farm to School Month – a time dedicated to connecting schools, early childhood education sites, and various organizations with local farms to provide children with access to fresh, healthy food.
This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to foster a deeper connection between communities and local food producers, enriching the lives of students and families alike. By changing food purchasing and education practices within schools and alternative learning environments, Arkansas Farm to School Month aims to empower children to make informed food choices while contributing to the local economy and creating vibrant communities.
One of the key components of Farm to School is the implementation of school gardens, which serve as invaluable educational tools. These gardens not only provide students with the opportunity to consume healthy foods but also enable them to engage in hands-on learning through gardening and farming. Studies have shown that when children are involved in growing their own food, they are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables and are more willing to try new varieties.
Currently, Arkansas boasts an impressive 350 school gardens across the state, each varying in type and design, including greenhouses, raised beds, and containers inside classrooms. These gardens not only promote healthy eating habits but also foster a deeper connection to nature and provide valuable lessons in nutrition.
The Arkansas General Assembly passed The Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Act in 2017 and amended the act in 2019. The act requires institutions to set a goal of spending at least 20% of their purchase of food products on local food. It also requires institutions to complete a reporting form, created by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, on their local food procurement budget on a yearly basis.
In the most recent reporting cycle, 284 institutions serving children aged 18 and younger reported spending over $194 million on food, with nearly 20% of their food budget allocated to local foods.
As we celebrate Arkansas Farm to School Month, let us recognize the importance of promoting healthy eating habits, supporting local farmers, and providing educational opportunities for our youth. By fostering a connection between students, communities, and local food producers, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
The deadline to register to vote for the November General Election is fast approaching. If you are not already registered, you have until Monday, October 7 to turn in your registration form. The General Election and Nonpartisan Runoff Election will be held on November 5.
Early voting begins on October 21. Polls for early voting will be open between the hours of 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday. Early voting ends at 5:00 pm on the Monday prior to the election.
Voting is a cornerstone of democracy, a fundamental right that empowers citizens to influence the direction of their government and society. It gives Arkansans a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their daily lives. When Arkansans participate in elections, they express their opinions on critical issues, ensuring that their values and priorities are represented.
Submitting your voter application at a state agency, in a voter registration drive, or through the U.S. Postal Service does NOT guarantee your registration. You should follow up on the status of your registration just as you would on any other personal business matter. Before considering yourself a registered voter, you must receive an acknowledgment of your registration from the county clerk. Feel free to call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application. You may also check your voter registration status online by visiting www.voterview.org.
Voter registration applications may be found at sos.arkansas.gov. If you are registering to vote by mail you must provide either your driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number on your Arkansas Voter Registration Application, or check the box in #9 on the application to indicate that you do not possess either a driver’s license or Social Security number.
We encourage you to verify your registration and make plans now to cast your ballot.
Weekly Update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
As we welcome September, it’s a time to recognize the vital role that rice plays in Arkansas and to celebrate National Rice Month. Our state stands proud as the number one producer of rice in the United States, contributing significantly to both our economy and our communities.
Every year, Arkansas harvests an impressive 200 million bushels of rice, supporting nearly 25,000 jobs across the state. This remarkable industry not only boosts our economy, contributing over $6 billion annually but also enriches our agricultural heritage. It’s worth noting that 96% of the 2,300 rice farms in Arkansas are family-owned and operated, embodying the spirit of hard work and dedication that defines our communities.
In addition to its economic impact, the rice industry is committed to sustainability. Over the past 30 years, our rice farmers have made tremendous strides in reducing environmental impact by cutting water use by 52%, greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, and the land required to grow rice by 39%. These efforts demonstrate our farmers' commitment to not only producing high-quality rice but also protecting our natural resources for future generations.
Moreover, the rice industry plays a crucial role in fighting food insecurity within our state. Each year, Arkansas rice farmers generously donate over 200,000 pounds of rice to help those in need. This act of kindness highlights the community spirit that binds us together as Arkansans.
Rice is grown in over 40 counties throughout our state, showcasing the agricultural diversity and richness of Arkansas. As we celebrate National Rice Month, let us take the time to appreciate the hard work of our rice farmers and the impact they have on our economy, environment, and community well-being.
Consuming Arkansas-grown rice helps support our neighbors. You can help celebrate rice month by purchasing Arkansas-grown rice at your local supermarket.
Weekly update from State Representative DeAnn Vaught
Our neighborhoods are more than just places where we live. They are the very essence of our communities, reflecting our values, aspirations, and pride.
Arkansas is the Natural State. We pride ourselves on the beauty of our lakes, rivers, woods, and trails. We should also take that same pride in our sidewalks, parking lots, and city streets. That’s why we are encouraging Arkansans to sign up for the Great Arkansas Cleanup.
This year, the Great Arkansas Cleanup will take place from September 7 to October 31.
In 2023, the hard work and dedication of Arkansans paid off, with nearly 150,000 hours spent participating in cleanup activities. Volunteers removed a staggering 514 tons of bulky waste from 2,132 miles of roadways and 772,051 acres of parks and public areas in all 75 counties.
Not only did volunteers clean up alongside waterways and shorelines, but they also collected 6,227 tires, 2,418 tons of recyclables and planted over 1,878 trees, shrubs, and flowers. Additionally, 182 litter grabber kits were distributed to individuals who wanted to clean their communities but were unable to join larger cleanups.
The impact of the Great Arkansas Cleanup goes far beyond just picking up litter. In 2023, the total economic value returned back to communities in Arkansas was nearly $5.4 million. This shows that investing in keeping our state clean pays off in more ways than one. Additionally, there were nearly 23,000 volunteers, representing a 63% increase over the last 5 years. This demonstrates the growing commitment of Arkansans and the power of community coming together to keep Arkansas beautiful.
By taking part in this statewide community improvement campaign, you can make a difference in your community and help keep Arkansas beautiful for generations to come. Find information on how to organize a cleanup event in your community and register your event to receive free bags, gloves, and t-shirts (while supplies last) at keeparkansasbeautiful.com.
Together, we can continue to make our state a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant place to live. Let's work together to make Arkansas even more beautiful!
Unique chicken line advances research on autoimmune disease that affects humans
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A unique chicken breed is helping researchers better understand vitiligo, an autoimmune disease that affects 1-2 percent of the world’s population.
VITILIGO RESEARCH — Gisela Erf, professor of immunology, holds a Smyth line rooster whose white feathers are the result of vitiligo. The Smyth line, and its parental Brown line, are used to study the autoimmune disease that affects humans. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo by Paden Johnson)
In vitiligo (pronounced vit-ih-LIE-go) the immune system attacks cells called melanocytes, causing skin pigment to disappear.
The effects are more than skin deep.
“Autoimmune diseases are multifactorial and non-communicable, and one is often associated with other autoimmune disorders. They call it the kaleidoscope of autoimmunity,” Gisela Erf, professor of immunology with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, said. “Vitiligo in humans, is strongly associated with autoimmune thyroiditis where the thyroid gland becomes attacked by the immune system, and that’s in our vitiligo birds, too.”
Why chickens?
Erf studies the disease using a rare vitiligo-prone chicken breed called the Smyth line, the only animal model for vitiligo that shares all the characteristics of the human condition. These include the spontaneous loss of melanocytes, interactions between genetic, environmental, and immunological factors that drive disease expression, and associations with other autoimmune diseases.
Research with the Smyth line helps scientists observe immune responses that are relatable to humans. Erf recently published a study in Frontiers in Immunology titled “Spontaneous immunological activities in the target tissue of vitiligo-prone Smyth and vitiligo-susceptible Brown lines of chicken,” which was co-authored by Erf’s former graduate students, Daniel M. Falcon and Kristen A. Byrne, and program associate Marites A. Sales.
The study identified the immune mechanisms behind the onset of vitiligo, which could one day inform the development of effective preventative and therapeutic measures for humans.
Erf conducts research through the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station as a faculty member of the Center of Excellence for Poultry Science. She holds the Tyson Endowed Professorship in Avian Immunology and teaches classes through the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas. The experiment station is the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Finding answers in feathers
Erf’s study compared the immune responses in the Smyth line to its parental Brown line, which is susceptible to vitiligo but much less likely to develop the disease. A unique feature of this animal model is that the melanocyte-containing target tissue — the “pulp” of small growing feathers — is easily accessible. Scientists can sample it many times before and during the onset and progression of the disease without harming the bird, Erf said.
In fact, based on studying the autoimmune response in the feather pulp, Erf developed this tissue as a skin test-site — a “living test-tube,” she calls it — and a minimally invasive procedure to study immune responses to injected vaccines and other antigens. She has since patented this method.
“The method came out of these vitiligo studies, and it has been an incredibly successful technique, in my opinion, to study these very complex inflammatory responses where the cells get recruited from the blood to the site of infection or injection,” Erf said.
Examining growing feathers from the Brown line also revealed immune cells entering the pulp, but these cells exhibited anti-inflammatory immune activities, which may be responsible for preventing vitiligo development in these chickens, Erf explained.
The researchers also detected positive correlations that indicate an immune response with regulatory T cells, which stop vitiligo development and killing of the melanocytes.
In the Smyth line, approximately one month before vitiligo becomes visible, an increase in the expression of specific immune regulatory genes was observed. The study states that this early immune activity might play a role in triggering the disease. Overall, their findings align with observations in human studies, with the added benefit of new insights into events before the onset of the disease, Erf added.
This latest study suggests the different responses in Smyth and Brown line chickens could lead to new ways of understanding how the immune system decides between attacking or tolerating melanocytes, Erf said. And that could lead to significant advancements in treatment of autoimmune diseases like vitiligo.
The Smyth chicken was first identified by J. Robert Smyth in 1977 at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Erf, who knew Smyth, has worked with the Smyth line since 1989 and maintains the only known research breeding flock in the world.
To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on X at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.