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News Release 4-5-2002

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AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER URGES CONTINUED CAUTION
AGAINST AVIAN INFLUENZA

West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass today encouraged all persons associated with the state’s poultry industry to exercise the highest biosecurity precautions around West Virginia farms in response to the Avian Influenza (AI) outbreak in Virginia, which has necessitated the depopulation of thousands of birds in that state. The disease has not been detected in West Virginia and is not considered a human health risk.

“In light of the deteriorating situation in Virginia, it is imperative that everyone involved do everything possible to minimize the chance of introducing this disease into West Virginia flocks. Producers should not allow visitors in or near their poultry houses, and should eliminate any possibility of flocks coming into contact with wild bird populations, which can carry the disease,” said Commissioner Douglass.

“I believe the safety protocols the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) put in place have helped prevent this disease from coming here, but we cannot let our guard down now. I’m very pleased with the cooperation we have received from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), WVU Extension Service and producers in the poultry-producing regions of the state, but now is the time to redouble our efforts,” Commissioner Douglass continued.

To minimize the possibility of contracting Avian Influenza on their farms, producers should implement the following precautions:

• Manage flocks with an all-in, all-out philosophy; that is, don’t mix new birds in with established flocks
• Eliminate contact between flocks and wild birds, especially migratory waterfowl — which are know carriers of the disease — and waters they may have used
• Permit only essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm
• Essential workers should change into clean work clothes at the farm, and back into street clothes when they leave the farm; hands and shoes should be thoroughly scrubbed and disinfected. Disinfectant foot baths are not an adequate substitute
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect equipment and vehicles (including tires and undercarriage) when entering and leaving a farm
• Do not borrow or loan farm vehicles or equipment
• Do not visit other farms or live-bird markets; minimize personal contact among fellow farmers

Avian influenza is a viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of birds, including commercial chickens and turkeys. It is transmitted through fecal and oculo-nasal discharges, and the virus can remain viable for long periods of time at moderate temperature. It can survive indefinitely when frozen, and is easily spread by contaminated equipment, supplies and people, although it is not considered a threat to human health.

An epidemic of the disease in the northeastern United States in 1983-84 resulted in the depopulation of 17 million birds and an economic loss of $70 million.

To report suspicious signs on your farm, contact WVDA’s Animal Health Division, 304/558-2214.

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