BRWC reports the expansion of Pathogenic Avian Influenza or Bird Flu

Blue Ridge Wildlife Center (BRWC) reports that cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) have increased dramatically recently.

Cases have been confirmed in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania since the beginning of 2025.

Positive cases are overwhelming in waterfowl brought in to BRWC.

Cases have also been confirmed in raptors and in wild mammals, domestic cats, and dairy cattle along with rare cases in humans.

Human cases are usually found in people who work closely with dairy cattle and other farm animals that are contaminated.

The HPAI is still considered at a low risk to humans with 68 confirmed cases in other states with only one fatality.

However this strain of  HPAI and the rise in Influenza A in humans could create a dangerous combination.

Those with Influenza A who may have come in contact with any type of bird should consult with their medical provider if concerned.

Signs of the diseases in animals include head tilt, tremors, head ticking, incoordination, corneal edema, and respiratory problems.

A recent bald eagle brought into BRWC from Loudoun had to be euthanized along with a goose from Fredericksburg.

In the last month alone Loudoun County has reported multiple positive cases and Fredericksburg found cases last year.

Those wishing to bring birds to BRWC for care need to call the center first at 540-837-9000.

Calling BRWC will provide you with information on protecting yourself, other animals, and the caregivers.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

BRWC tracks Avian Flu and has advice to avoid it and help protect wildlife and humans

giving tuesday

The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center reports that they have been closely monitoring the highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The Center and other agencies have now recorded a significant expansion of the flu in dairy cattle, domestic cats, along with a variety of wild animals across the area and the United States.

Along with mostly wild birds and domestic poultry 66 human cases have been recorded in the United States with one being fatal.

Blue Ridge Wildlife Center has been testing for the disease in high-risk species since 2022.

So far raptors and waterfowl continue to be the ones to test positive for the disease the most.

However, a larger number of species have started to test positive like sparrows, starlings and pigeons.

Transmission of the disease is through direct contact.

Humans working closely with poultry or dairy cows are the most at risk.

The center and the state game agency advise the public to report any deceased hawks, eagles, or turkeys.

Should you find a carcass do not handle it call your animal control authority.

Keep free roaming pets away from the carcass and keep pets away from raw meat and milk directly from cattle to curtail the spread of the disease.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Congressman Cline hosts Agriculture Listening Session

Congressman Ben Cline along with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson hosted an Agriculture Listening Session with over 50 farmers and other agricultural industry leaders in Weyers Cave.

Groups represented included the Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Agribusiness Council and other organizations focusing on the cattle, poultry, dairy, pork, and grain industries.

Virginia’s Sixth District is home to over 8,000 farms, the most in the Commonwealth.

Each year in the state, over 41,500 farms have an economic impact of $82.3 billion.

During the session, participants discussed the upcoming Farm Bill and how it can be used to support local farmers and the industry as a whole.

They also discussed recent federal changes, the reintroduction of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and commended the work of Virginians in handling the recent avian flu outbreak.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.