Officials are urging West Virginia poultry owners to remain vigilant as avian influenza cases increase in surrounding states.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture says no new cases have been confirmed locally since January, but spring migration raises the risk of exposure from wild birds.
Backyard and commercial flock owners are encouraged to strengthen biosecurity by enclosing birds, securing feed, isolating sick animals, disinfecting equipment, limiting access to flocks, and avoiding contact with other poultry operations.
There are no current restrictions in the state, but officials say prevention efforst are the best defense.