Pathogenic Avian Influenza confirmed in Page County
Page County Conservation and Public Health officials confirmed on Wednesday, March 23, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the migratory snow geese population at Rapp Park in rural Shenandoah. This is not an uncommon occurrence for wild birds to have avian influenza; however, they want to make sure to take extra precautions with area private flocks of domesticated birds.
HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate health concern. No human cases of avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. It remains safe to eat poultry products.
HPAI is a highly contagious, viral disease often fatal to domestic bird population, including chickens and turkeys. The virus can spread through droppings or nasal discharge of an infected bird, which can contaminate dust and soil. Clinical signs of the disease include sudden death, decreased water consumption, lack of energy and appetite, difficulty breathing, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, diarrhea, stumbling or falling down, decreased egg production and soft or thin-shelled or misshapen eggs.