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News Release 5-10-2002

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COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE GUS R. DOUGLASS BANS PUBLIC EGG DISPLAYS

Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass has prohibited the public display, sale or mingling of any live avian eggs at fairs, festivals or other public events effective May 8, 2002. Anyone who violates the order is subject to a misdemeanor conviction, fine and possible jail sentence.

“Due to the recent discovery of Avian Influenza (AI) in West Virginia, and the continuing AI situation in Virginia, I believe it is necessary to enact this ban,” said Commissioner Douglass. “AI could have a damaging effect on our state’s poultry industry, and we must do everything possible to break the cycle of infection.”

Flocks at one Hardy County farm tested positive for the disease May 9. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is currently taking steps to depopulate and dispose of approximately 13,900 birds at that farm. AI is not a threat to human health, but is easily spread among poultry.

The State of Virginia has quarantined more than 140 farms and has depopulated more than 3 million birds in its efforts to eradicate AI from its commercial flocks.

Commissioner Douglass last month closed all live bird markets in the state and banned importation of poultry litter from Virginia. These orders will remain in effect until the Avian Influenza outbreak is brought under control. Last year, WVDA developed biosecurity protocols to help prevent the spread of any animal diseases by WVDA personnel.

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