West Virginia Takes Precautionary Measures Amid Growing Threat of Bird Flu
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture last week issued a suspension on all poultry exhibitions and sales in the state as the threat of bird flu continues to grow nationally.
The halt is a defensive move, said state Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt. It comes as waterfowl migrations are expected to peak in mid-March, which could threaten the health of both commercial and backyard flocks as potentially infected birds arrive in the region.
“Let’s say a waterfowl, an infected bird, comes down, mingles with a backyard flock, and gets that flock infected. Then [the farmer] brings that chicken or turkey to a swap meet or to a livestock auction before clinical signs are there and it spreads the infection,” Leonhardt said. “I’m trying to prevent that. So I put the ban on and it’s for everybody’s benefit … [it is] out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of everybody.”
The pause applies to all poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets and sales at flea markets or auction markets. It will hold until at least early April, when the overall disease status in the area will be reassessed by state and federal regulators.
Keeping a Close Eye on Bird Flu Spread
Overall, the threat of bird flu spread in West Virginia has remained relatively low since the current outbreak began in 2022. Since then, the disease has impacted two backyard flocks in the state, hitting about 260 total birds, according to data with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Leonhardt said state lab workers under his administration have run “hundreds of thousands” of bird flu tests over the last three years to stay on top of any possible infections. Any farmer or individual who has a bird flock — commercial or otherwise — should contact the Department of Agriculture immediately if they notice sudden changes in the flock’s behavior, widespread illness or death.
“I want to reassure that West Virginia has done better than most states in the avian influenza outbreak. The outbreak started in 2022 and, generally, it lasts a year and then it’s gone. But here we are in 2025 and the same influenza is still out there,” Leonhardt said.
Collaborative Efforts to Combat Bird Flu
The pause and other measures to reduce the spread of bird flu in West Virginia are especially critical as the poultry industry is the state’s second largest agricultural market. If things were to escalate in the state, the consequences could be massive.
Ron Williams, director of public relations for the West Virginia Farm Bureau, said infection rates in West Virginia represent “an amazing statistic” when considering how surrounding states are faring with the disease outbreak, especially recently.
In the last month, neighboring states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia have reported outbreaks affecting millions of birds.
Staying Vigilant Amid Policy Changes
While many things are in flux at the national level regarding the publishing of public health information and available money for certain federally funded initiatives, Leonhardt said things at the state Department of Agriculture will continue operating the way that they have.
“If there’s a policy shift that we believe will hurt the [control of the] spread of animal diseases and even plant diseases, we’re going to make our voices heard,” Leonhardt said.
Source: West Virginia Watch
The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and has been known to have numerous benefits for mental health. In recent years, there has been a growing body of research that supports the idea that meditation can help improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
One of the key benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. When we meditate, we are able to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment, which can help to alleviate feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. By practicing meditation regularly, we can learn to better manage stress and regulate our emotions.
Meditation has also been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. By cultivating a sense of mindfulness and awareness through meditation, we can learn to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment, which can help to shift our perspective and improve our overall sense of well-being.
Another benefit of meditation is its ability to improve focus and concentration. By training our minds to stay present and focused during meditation, we can carry that mindfulness into our daily lives and improve our ability to concentrate on tasks and stay present in the moment.
Overall, the practice of meditation has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health. By incorporating meditation into our daily routine, we can improve our ability to manage stress, regulate our emotions, and improve our overall sense of well-being.
