Tag: h5n1

Virginia battles against bird flu outbreak

by: Gracie Gosier, environment reporter.

A new outbreak of the avian influenza virus, otherwise known as bird flu, caused by the H5N1 strain, has been confirmed in many states, including Virginia. Rapid increase in the number of cases raises concern among the state’s public and health officials.

Wild turkeys by the side of the road. Photo by Gracie Gosier.

The big picture: There is a statewide demand for all poultry farmers to improve biosecurity to preserve the health and welfare of all chicken raised in Virginia

Why it matters:

  • On January 16, 2025, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) stated that testing of a commercial poultry flock in Accomack County revealed positive findings for H5 bird flu.
  • On January 20, the Metro Richmond Zoo reported H5 bird flu detections in two deceased cranes.
  • Hunt Club Farm in Virginia Beach killed nearly 300 birds after a handful tested positive for H5 bird flu.
  • H5 bird flu outbreaks have also been found at three poultry sites in the Delmarva region, affecting over 500,000 chickens.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR) has reported an increasing number of sick or dead wild birds along the Eastern Shore. Due to this increase the VDWR released a list of recommended precautionary measures for dealing with dead wild birds that may end up on one’s property to avoid it spreading to people. The Virginia Department of Health also has a resource page on the virus and what to do if you think the H5 bird flu is present. However, almost all the cases where H5 bird flu was found in humans in the U.S were people who work with poultry and cattle regularly. Still, this doesn’t mean that the outbreak shouldn’t be of public concern.

Dr. Mike Persia, John W. Hancock Professor and Extension Specialist, Poultry Nutrition & Management. Photo by Virginia Tech School of Animal Science.

Zoom in: Poultry expert Dr. Mike Persia, warns that wild birds migrating toward flocks and cattle have the ability to fly over local farms and spread the virus. According to Persia, the virus causes 60-80% death in birds, and it just takes a few extra precautions to keep the entire flock safe. Persia outlined extra preventive steps to avoiding the virus among wild birds. “The alternative is if you have a positive, you’re going to lose your entire flock,” said Dr. Persia.

What we’re watching: Although H5 bird flu has not been discovered in people or dairy cattle in Virginia, the latest cases are extremely troubling for the state’s economy. Cattle, dairy, and eggs are some of the top commodities that the state produces. The outbreak has already contributed to record high egg prices and low demand, as the H5 bird flu has reduced the total number of laying hens.

  • According to the VDACS, Virginia’s agriculture industry has an economic impact of $82.3 billion annually and provided more than 381,800 jobs in the past year.
  • Since December 1, 2024, over 16 million laying chickens have been infected and depopulated due to the virus, which represents approximately 5% of our total national flock lost.

Although the prevalence overall in the country seems relatively low, tracking human infections in the dairy industry has been an ongoing challenge throughout the bird flu outbreak. Residents and officials can work together to reduce the effect of the outbreak and limit its spread by remaining informed, adopting sufficient biosecurity, and following recommended health precautions.