West Virginia: Avian flu in poultry 2024 - 2025

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Source: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/new...a-2024/hpai-wv

USDA Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Backyard Non-Poultry Flock in West Virginia
Published: Feb 20, 2024

WASHINGTON, February 20, 2024 – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Kanawha County, West Virginia. This is the first case of HPAI in domestic birds in West Virginia during this outbreak, which began in February 2022.

Samples from the flock were tested at the Moorefield Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

APHIS is working closely with state animal health officials in West Virginia on a joint incident response...

[Pathfinder]

W.Va. Department of Health Says Public Health Risk Low Following First Case of Avian Influenza in Backyard Flock


2/21/2024

The West Virginia Department of Health (WVDH) is offering guidance following confirmation of the first case of the Highly Pathogenic avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in a non-commercial backyard flock in Kanawha County. It is the first confirmed case in backyard flocks or commercial birds since 2006.

WVDH and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) are working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to monitor the exposed individuals to prevent transmission of the virus. At this time, the public health risk is limited to those who had direct contact with the birds; avian influenza does not spread easily to humans.

The virus spreads easily among poultry through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

“This virus has been previously identified in surrounding states, it is important to note that the risk of transmission to humans is very low and limited to those with direct contact with the birds,” said West Virginia State Health Officer Dr. Matthew Christiansen, M.D., M.P.H. “If you have concerns about your exposure or symptoms, you should isolate at home and contact your primary care doctor and local health department.”

Dr. Christiansen reminds residents that the confirmed case does not present an immediate public health concern. “We will continue to follow this closely and provide updates if the risk changes.”

The WVDA also points out that avian influenza does not affect poultry, meat, or egg products, which remain safe to eat. As a reminder, proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs is recommended as a general food safety precaution. USDA will continue to conduct additional surveillance during the quarantine to protect the poultry industry in the state.

“The WVDA will continue to work with USDA-APHIS on monitoring and follow all protocols to protect our valuable poultry industry,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. "The best strategy any bird owner has against this disease is prevention. It is essential to continue taking preventative measures to protect flocks from wild birds where the disease occurs naturally, and follow other biosecurity measures to prevent the spread.”

Contact Information

DHCommunications@wv.gov

https://dhhr.wv.gov/News/Pages/W.Va.-Department-of-Health-Says-Public-Health-Risk-Low-Following-First-Case-of-Avian-Influenza-in-Backyard-Flock.aspx

[Commonground]

WVDA confirms case of bird flu in West Virginia
1/3/25

POCAHONTAS COUNTY, W.Va (WDTV) - The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has confirm a cause of Avian Influenza in a backyard flock in Pocahontas County.

This mark the second case of HPAI in domestic birds in West Virginia since the start of the global outbreak in early 2022.

The diagnosis was made by a field investigation, sample collection, and testing at WVDA’s Animal Health Lab in Moorefield.

The affected is currently under quarantine, and the birds have been depopulated to prevent a disease spread. These efforts help ensure the safety and integrity of the commercial food supply.

continued: https://www.wdtv.com/2025/01/04/wvda...west-virginia/

[Commonground]

WVDA CONFIRMS CASE OF AVIAN INFLUENZA IN BACKYARD FLOCK IN POCAHONTAS COUNTY

January 3, 2025
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in Pocahontas County. This marks only the second case of HPAI in domestic birds in West Virginia since the start of the global outbreak in early 2022.

The diagnosis was made following a field investigation, sample collection, and testing at WVDA’s Animal Health NAHLN lab in Moorefield.

The affected premise is currently under quarantine, and the birds have been depopulated to prevent disease spread. These efforts also help to ensure the safety and integrity of the commercial food supply.

“The WVDA acted swiftly to contain the disease and remains committed to collaborating with poultry owners to prevent its spread,” stated West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “As the state’s leading agricultural commodity, protecting the poultry industry is critical, and implementing emergency response plans is essential to safeguarding its future.”

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Poultry owners should report unusual death loss, a drop in egg production, or any sick domestic birds to WVDA’s Animal Health Division at 304-558-2214.

https://agriculture.wv.gov/2025/01/03/wvda-confirms-case-of-avian-influenza-in-backyard-flock-in-pocahontas-county/