West Virginia officials keeping close watch on Avian Flu

“The only symptom the Texas patient experienced was conjunctivitis, or pink-eye,” Povroznik said.

The patient has been treated and is recovering, according to the CDC.

The current theory on how dairy cows contracted the virus: from water and food sources contaminated by wild birds migrating through areas, allowing the virus to spread to other cows in close quarters, Povroznik said.

“HPAI viruses can be transmitted by wild birds to domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. It is a highly contagious and often deadly disease in poultry,” Povroznik said. “It is important to note that ‘highly pathogenic’ refers to severe impact in birds, not necessarily in humans.”

There is no major threat to people at this time, said West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. To ensure the virus does not enter the state, dairy cows must have a certification of veterinary inspection.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported avian influenza in dairy herds in Texas, Kansas, Michigan, Idaho, Ohio and New Mexico.

“We are requiring any dairy cows that come into the state have a CVI,” Leonhardt said. “If someone wants to buy a dairy cow out of state, they can’t bring it into West Virginia without that certificate. It is only good for 10 days.”

A decline in milk production, a fever and lack of energy are symptoms of an infected cow, Leonhardt said, with older cows more likely to be severely impacted.

“If they notice any symptoms in their livestock or poultry, contact the West Virginia Department of Agriculture Animal Health Division, and we will take it from there,” Leonhardt said.

Local veterinarians should be contacted for treatment.

The Food and Drug Administration has stated that the commercial supply of pasteurized milk remains safe.

“The pasteurization process, which works by heating milk to destroy pathogens, will kill influenza,” Povroznik said. “Raw or unpasteurized milk, which has become increasingly accessible in the U.S., puts people at a higher risk from harmful germs in general.”

“We don’t believe there is any threat to the meat supply,” Leonhardt said. “Any infected milk is destroyed.”

Waterfowl is the largest spreader of influenza, Leonhardt said.

“We want to remind farmers of biosecurity,” he said. “They should keep their livestock and poultry away from river and waterfowl and away from other species as well.”

As of earlier this month, a total of 9,253 wild birds had been detected to have the flu, according to the CDC, affecting 85,871,486 poultry in the United States.

“The avian influenza has been attacking poultry throughout the country,” Leonhardt said. “If it gets into a chicken poultry flock, we have to depopulate. Every other state has had to do so except Louisiana and West Virginia.”

“We advise people who work in that industry to wear a respirator if they are around chickens or turkeys or other animals,” said Dr. Lee B. Smith, health officer for the Monongalia County Health Department.

When there is an uptick in avian influenza, common concerns center on poultry-related food contamination, Povroznik said.

“The likelihood that eggs from infected poultry are found in the retail market is low, and proper storage and cooking further reduces the risk,” he said. “There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared food.”

The same precautions that prevent people from getting sick from pathogens such as salmonella can help prevent contamination with the avian flu, Povroznik added.

“Frequently clean your hands and the surfaces you use to prep food with soap and water,” he said. “Properly handling and cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit kills bacteria and viruses, including bird flu viruses.”

Povroznik outlined what to avoid and best practices to use:

— Avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe wild birds only from a distance, whenever possible.

— Avoid contact between pets and wild birds.

— Don’t touch sick or dead birds, their feces or litter or any surface or water source that might be contaminated with their saliva, feces or any other bodily fluids without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

— Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth after contact with birds or surfaces that may be contaminated with saliva, mucus or feces from wild or domestic birds.

— Wash your hands with soap and water after touching birds or other sick animals.

— Change your clothes after contact with wild birds, poultry and sick animals.

“Close contacts of people who have been exposed to bird flu viruses should monitor their health and report to their health care provider or local health department any new symptoms, especially respiratory symptoms or eye redness or conjunctivitis within 10 days of the last exposure,” Povroznik said.

A health care provider may write you a prescription for an antiviral drug to treat the illness, Povroznik said.