Birds test positive for bird flu in Kanawha County – WVNS-TV

CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) After a confirmed case of Avian Influenza in a backyard flock of birds in Kanawha County, the West Virginia Department of Health stated that the health risk for the public was low.

The case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was discovered in a non-commercial backyard flock in Kanawha County, and according to the West Virginia Department of Health it is the first confirmed case since 2006 of Avian Influenza in commercial birds or backyard flocks.

The exposed individuals are being watched by the West Virginia Department of Health (WVDH) and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA), who are working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to stop the virus from spreading more.

According to the West Virginia Department of Health, the public health risk is limited to the people who had direct contact with the infected birds, as the virus does not spread easily to humans.

This virus has been previously identified in surrounding states, it is important to note that the risk of transmission to humans is very low and limited to those with direct contact with the birds. If you have concerns about your exposure or symptoms, you should isolate at home and contact your primary care doctor and local health department. We will continue to follow this closely and provide updates if the risk changes.

Avian Influenza spreads among birds through eye and nose secretions, and manure, and can can spread to different flocks through many ways such as contact with infected birds, wild birds, clothes and shoes of people in contact with the birds, and equipment.

The WVDA will continue to work with USDA-APHIS on monitoring and follow all protocols to protect our valuable poultry industry. The best strategy any bird owner has against this disease is prevention. It is essential to continue taking preventative measures to protect flocks from wild birds where the disease occurs naturally and follow other biosecurity measures to prevent the spread.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture stated that meat, poultry, or egg products are safe to eat, as they are not affected by Avian Influenza, however correct handling of egg and poultry products is recommended as a food safety measure.

The USDA will help protect the poultry industry in West Virginia from the virus by monitoring the affected birds that are in quarantine.

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Birds test positive for bird flu in Kanawha County - WVNS-TV