#967
This discovery of low-pathogenic avian flu in turkeys in Virginia has now led to the canceling of poultry shows in neighboring West Virginia.
Interesting is the advisory for poultry farmers not to attend the annual carnival, even sans poultry. Apparently there is a concern that poultry workers could be carrying an avian virus and spread it.
W.Va. halts poultry shows, sales after avian flu found in Va.
July 09, 2007 4:47 PM
CHARLESTON, W.Va.West Virginia's annual poultry festival has been canceled and all poultry shows and sales are on hold because of avian influenza concerns.
The five-day festival in Moorefield was to start July 23rd, but the discovery of avian influenza in a turkey flock in Virginia prompted officials today to cancel the event.
State Poultry Association Executive Secretary Emily Funk says Moorefield will still hold its annual carnival.
Area poultry farmers are being encouraged not to attend the carnival as a precaution. Funk says avian influenza can be easily spread and poultry farmers try to limit access to each other when a positive finding is made.
State Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass says the virus found in a turkey flock in Mt. Jackson, Virginia, is not the same as the bird flu found in Southeast Asia, Europe and other countries.
The state order does not involve commercial poultry operations because the birds are tested for the virus before being moved off the farm.
