Charleston, W.V.
Dr. Matthew Christiansen
The Health Department said that this is the first case of avian flu, H5N1 in a non-commercial backyard herd in West Virginia since 2006.
The department said that public health risk is limited to those who had direct contact with birds.
Officials said that avian flu does not spread easily among humans.
The virus spreads easily between poultry through fertilizer along with nasal secretions.
State Health Officer Dr. Matthew Christiansen said, “The virus has been identified in the first surrounding states, it is important to note that humans have very little risk of broadcasting and limited to those with direct contact with birds.”
Christian said the situation would be followed.
The Agriculture Department said that poultry does not affect meat or egg products.
State Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonehart said, “WVDA will continue to work with USDA-PHI on following all protocols to protect our valuable poultry industry and follow all protocols.” “The prevention of the best strategy of any bird owner against this disease is. It is necessary that preventive measures are continued to protect herds from wild birds where the disease occurs naturally and follows other bio -safety measures to prevent spread. ,