Home Bird flu reported in Virginia, egg prices up due to HPAI in flocks nationwide
Virginia News

Bird flu reported in Virginia, egg prices up due to HPAI in flocks nationwide

Crystal Graham
bird flu backyard chickens
Backyard chickens (© davidchukalexey – stock.adobe.com)

A commercial poultry flock in Accomack County on the Eastern Shore has tested positive for H5N1 Avian Influenza, more commonly referred to as the bird flu or HPAI.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is coordinating with the Maryland and Delaware departments of agriculture to the incident on the Delmarva peninsula.

VDACS has quarantined the affected premises and is testing in the immediate area.

The commercial flock on the affected property was depopulated on Jan. 16 to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system, according to VDACS.

This is the first case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in Virginia since 2022. In the U.S., since February 2022, more than 777 backyard flocks, 642 commercial flocks and 136 million birds have been affected.

Despite the worldwide crisis, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday removing the U.S. from the World Health Organization limiting the nation’s access to shared global data.

The Virginia Department of Health said there are no reports of bird flu infections in people or cattle in Virginia.

VDH is conducting a public health response to complement VDACS’ animal health response. The current public health risk in the United States is low for H5 bird flu.

People with job-related or recreational exposure to birds or other H5 virus-infected animals are at greater risk of infection. Bird flu is most common among dairy and farm workers, hunters, backyard flock owners and fair exhibitors, according to VDH.

Michael Persia, a poultry expert with Virginia Cooperative Extension and a professor in Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, believes that a proactive approach is needed for large-scale commercial operations and backyard coop owners.

“This disease could be economically devastating to the industry and could cause backyard owners to lose their entire flock,” said Persia. “To help protect flocks, it’s important to take practical biosecurity measures to reduce and eliminate potential sources of infection. This includes minimizing exposure to wild birds, especially migratory waterfowl, which are the primary carriers of the virus. Migratory birds, especially those traveling along the Atlantic flyway, are the primary carriers of the virus.”

Infected birds spread the virus through saliva, nasal secretions and feces. HPAI causes a high level of mortality very quickly, according to Persia.

“You can walk into the coop one day, and your birds will be dead,” said Persia. “It’s a very fast-moving disease, and it’s important to be vigilant.”

Since December, more than 16 million laying hens in the U.S. have been infected and depopulated due to HPAI. This represents about five percent of the nation’s flocks.

This has had a significant impact on egg prices and availability, Persia said.

Symptoms of bird flu in humans include eye redness and mild flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches and tiredness. Antiviral drugs that are used to treat seasonal flu are also used to treat bird flu infections. They are most effective when taken within 48 hours of when symptoms start.

VDACS recommends keeping cats and dogs away from wild birds, poultry and cattle and their environments.

VDH is coordinating with state and federal partners and the affected facility and is monitoring the health of people who may have had exposures to infected birds or contaminated environments.

VDH: Tips to prevent spread of bird flu


  • Wash your hands after touching birds and animals, especially at zoos and agricultural fairs
  • Do not touch sick or dead wild birds, poultry or other animals.
  • Do not drink unpasteurized (raw) milk or eat raw milk products, like cheese.
  • Get the seasonal flu vaccine. People at increased risk for exposure to bird flu should receive a seasonal flu vaccine. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions.
  • Getting the seasonal flu vaccine can lower the risk of being infected with both seasonal flu and bird flu at the same time. Getting vaccinated also reduces the chance of severe illness from seasonal flu.

Signs of bird flu in flocks


  • Sudden, unexplained death in the flock
  • Lack of energy and appetite
  • A drop in egg production
  • Respiratory symptoms like sneezing or coughing
  • Fatigue, hunching, isolating
  • Swollen or discolored faces or heads

Virginia Cooperative Extension: Biosecurity recommendations


  • Isolate your flock from wild birds, especially migratory species
  • Use dedicated footwear when entering poultry areas. Shoes are the primary way the virus gets introduced to coops and poultry houses.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before and after interacting with birds
  • Cover any exposed feed and water sources that your flock uses
  • Remove wild bird feeders, bird baths, and other features that attract wild animals
  • Keep coops and runs wildlife-free by using appropriate fencing and overhead cover

VDACS: Tips for poultry owners


Considering this new case and the prevalence of the virus in the wild bird population, all poultry owners are encouraged to increase their vigilance in protecting their flocks from contracting avian influenza by following these steps:

  • Limit, monitor and record any movement of people, vehicles, or animals on or off your farm
  • Permit only essential workers and vehicles to enter the farm to limit the chances of bringing the virus from an outside source
  • Avoid visiting other poultry farms and any unnecessary travel off the farm
  • Disinfect equipment, vehicles, footwear, and other items that come into contact with flocks
  • Keep your flock away from wild or migratory birds, especially waterfowl
  • Isolate any ill animals and contact your veterinarian

Reporting sick birds


  • Sick or dead wildlife may be reported to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources via the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 855-571-9003.
  • Virginia bird owners should report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to the State Veterinarian’s Office at 804-692-0601 or at [email protected].
  • If you suspect your flock has been affected by HPAI, contact 804-786-2483 or [email protected].

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.