News Release 5-21-2002 |
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POULTRY AND EGG BAN APPLIES TO FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Although the disease poses no threat to humans, it spreads rapidly among poultry and causes slowed growth and decreased egg production. Official bans on bird and egg shows have been signed by Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass and are on file in Secretary of State Joe Manchin’s office. The orders have the effect of law, and violators face misdemeanor charges. “We want to let people know that the Department of Agriculture is serious about stopping Avian Influenza as quickly as possible,” said Commissioner Douglass. “We know that birds, eggs and the people that show them are routes for the spread of this disease, and I’m confident that everyone will cooperate while this situation is brought under control," Commissioner Douglass continued. Another of Douglass’ orders banned the importation of chicken litter from Virginia, where a mid-March outbreak of the disease has resulted in the quarantine of nearly 160 farms and the depopulation of almost 3.5 million birds. AI was discovered May 9 on a farm near Moorefield. Commissioner Douglass immediately quarantined the farm, and approximately 13,900 chickens were depopulated. Samples from birds on farms within a two-mile radius of the quarantined farm came back negative. Further samples have been collected within a six-mile radius. Results of those tests are forthcoming. The WVDA also recommends that poultry farmers not travel to other
farms unless absolutely necessary, that they keep litter on their
own farms if at all possible, and that they not share or move equipment
or vehicles between farms unless they have been thoroughly washed
and sanitized.
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©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
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