As of May 1, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture will lift the suspension on all poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets, and poultry sales at flea markets or auction markets based on the following conditions being met:
- No HPAI detections in West Virginia commercial poultry or backyard flocks located near commercial premises during April 2025; and
- No major HPAI-related developments in neighboring states that would result in quarantine zones impacting West Virginia’s poultry industry.
This decision follows careful monitoring of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza situation across the state and surrounding regions. The WVDA will continue to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with federal and state partners, particularly through the remainder of the spring wild bird migration season, which runs through mid-June.
Since early 2022, a nationwide outbreak of HPAI has impacted commercial and backyard poultry operations, prompting biosecurity measures nationwide. The original suspension in West Virginia was implemented out of an abundance of caution to protect the state’s poultry industry, which remains the largest contributor to West Virginia’s animal agriculture economy.
Biosecurity is still critical.
Although poultry events may resume, the WVDA strongly encourages poultry owners, event organizers, and exhibitors to maintain strict biosecurity practices: limit and monitor access to poultry areas; continue disinfection of equipment, vehicles, and footwear; keep domestic flocks separate from wild and migratory birds; and report any unusual illness, sudden death, or drop in egg production.
Sick birds need to be reported. To report signs of illness or unexpected mortality in poultry flocks, contact WVDA’s Animal Health Division at 304-558-2214.
For the latest HPAI updates and guidance go to USDA APHIS – Avian Influenza Cases and Surveillance or CDC – Avian Influenza Information.
