REGULATORY SERVICES

During routine, pre-slaughter testing on July 6, 2007, officials with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services determined that a turkey flock in Shenandoah County tested suspicious for antibodies of avian influenza.  Testing by the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa confirmed the presence of Low Pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza antibodies ((LPAI). 

The farm was quarantined and the birds depopulated.  State and federal officials and the poultry industry increased surveillance within a six-mile radius of the affected farm and enhanced already strict biosecurity.

On July 9, the State Veterinarian issued a Cancellation Order prohibiting all public shows and sales in Virginia and banning the movement of poultry litter, manure and bedding in 17 counties. On July 19, the State Veterinarian amended litter movement restrictions to poultry farms within a two mile radius of the index farm, and on July 30, canceled the ban on shows and sales. The response to LPAI is now winding down, although scaled-down surveillance will continue through August 28.  Click here to read more.

If you have any questions concerning A. I., please contact
Elaine Lidholm, 804.786.7686

Cancellation(s):
State Veterinarian lifts restrictions on poultry litter; ban on shows/sales/exhibits of live poultry remains in effect until July 30
Order of Cancellation — July 9-July 30, 2007

Release(s):
July 30, 2007
Public Poultry Shows, Sales and Exhibitions May Resume In Virginia after Midnight Tonight
July 20, 2007
State Veterinarian Lifts Some Restrictions on Movement of Poultry Litter
~ Shows and Sales of Live Poultry Still Banned Until July 30, 2007 ~
July 16, 2007
Statement by Dr. John Clifford on Confirmatory Avian Influenza Tests from Turkey Samples in Virginia
July 11, 2007
USDA Statement about Low Path Avian Influenza
July 9, 2007
State Veterinarian's Statement on Discovery of Antibodies for Mild Form of Avian Influenza in Virginia Turkey Flock
July 9, 2007
Public Poultry Shows and Sales Canceled In Virginia, Movement of Poultry Litter Restricted

Links:
Biosecurity for Poultry Flocks
Virginia Department of Health - Pandemic Flu