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4-9-2007

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE LIFTS POULTRY LITTER RESTRICTIONS

Charleston, W.Va. – West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass Monday lifted his order halting poultry house cleanouts and land application of poultry litter in five West Virginia counties following the discovery of avian influenza (AI) at a Pendleton County turkey farm last week.

Farmers in Hardy, Hampshire, Mineral, Grant and parts of Pendleton Counties may now resume poultry house cleanouts, litter movement and land application of litter.

“The negative test results of birds within a six-mile radius of the affected farm has convinced me that the risk posed by regular litter management activities is minimal,” said Commissioner Douglass. “The goal of the restrictions was to protect the local economy and an extension of the ban would only cause an undue financial stress on area farmers.”

Commissioner Douglass continued to stress the importance of biosecurity measures for all poultry operations.

“It is critical that farmers exercise the highest level of biosecurity,” he said. “They should minimize traffic on their farms and keep a precise log of any visitors, as well as making sure that visitors wear disposable clothing and decontaminate their vehicles upon leaving.”

Bans on any poultry litter-related activities remain in effect in parts of Pendleton County within a two-mile radius of the affected farm. The area includes:

• Intersection of County Road 21 and Brushy Fork Road to the West Virginia-Virginia state line.
• Brushy Fork Road to the West Virginia-Virginia state line.
• Two miles up Crummett Run from the Intersection of County Road 21 and Crummett Run.

Questions should be directed to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture office in Moorefield at 304-538-2397, or to the farms' respective poultry integrators.

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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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