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2-17-2004

POULTRY DISEASE OUTBREAK PROMPTS CALL FOR EXTRA CAUTION

Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is asking West Virginians involved in the poultry industry to be especially aware of biosecurity protocols in light of the outbreak of avian influenza (AI) in Delaware and New Jersey.

“Although there is no AI in West Virginia at this time, this is just another reminder to the poultry producers in this state that we can never be too careful,” said Commissioner Douglass. “Although there is no linkage between West Virginia’s poultry industry and the East Coast bird markets, AI is a very contagious disease and West Virginia farmers should take extra care to help ensure it does not become a problem here.”

The AI currently plaguing the east coast of the United States is not a human health hazard, unlike the strain currently being fought in Asia.

To minimize the possibility of introducing avian influenza to their farms, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) recommends that producers:

• 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.
  
• Eliminate contact between flocks and wild birds, especially migratory waterfowl – which are known carriers of the disease – and waters they may have used.

“In most cases, this disease can be kept off the farm by being vigilant about biosecurity,” said State Veterinarian Joe Starcher. “Producers need to be aware of their surroundings and know the visitors to their farms. After all, it’s your livelihood and the livelihood of the poultry industry of West Virginia that you’re protecting.”

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 temperatures. 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. A 2002 outbreak in Virginia resulted in quarantines at more than 200 farms, the depopulation of nearly five million birds and a $100 million loss to that state’s poultry industry.

To report signs of AI – or any other animal disease – contact WVDA’s Animal Health Division at 304/558-2214.

Contact: Buddy Davidson
Communications Officer
304/558-3708, 361-9484 (pager)
bdavidson@ag.state.wv.us

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.

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