A commercial flock of broiler chickens on the Eastern Shore has tested positive for H5N1, or bird flu.

According to an announcement from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services , the entire operation in Accomack County had been quarantined with a 10-kilometer perimeter. The positive flock was depopulated Thursday, the department said, and birds in the flock will not enter the food system.

The department is advising farmers to limit outside visitors or vehicles and to keep flocks away from migratory or wild birds. Infected birds shed avian influenza viruses through their saliva, mucous and feces. Human infections with avian influenza viruses can happen when virus gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth. It can also cause infection if the virus is inhaled. This typically happens when virus is in the air, according to the Center for Diseases Control.

People are also reading…

The CDC reports that the spread of bird flu viruses from one infected person to a close contact is very rare, and when it has happened, it has only spread to a few people. When a human is affected, it is likely because of direct contact with a sick animal with H5N1, though it is not always with a sick bird. The center advises people to avoid contact with surfaces that could have contact with animal feces, raw milk, litter or materials contaminated by birds or other animals with suspected or confirmed avian influenza virus infection.

From the Archives: Richmond's oldest pet cemetery

Pet Cemetery

03-25-1984 (cutline): Stone honors pet. Owner's love is spelled out.

Lady Wonder's burial

1213_POD_ladywonder001

In May 1950, Lady Wonder, Richmond’s psychic horse, spelled out a greeting when a reporter visited for her latest predictions. First gaining fame by correctly predicting that an underdog would take a boxing title in 1927, the horse was only correct about one prediction in this visit – that 1st District Congressman Edward J. Robeson Jr. would win his next election.

1935 ad

Pet Cemetery

07-27-1987 (cutline): Animals have final resting place in Pet Memorial Park on Terrell Road. The cemetery currently is the only pet cemetery in Henrico County.

Pet Cemetery

08-21-1953 (cutline): Mrs. Hansford H. Rowe inspects one of the graves in the Pet Meorial Park. This is a double grave for Cookie and Dottie, two dogs who lived to be quite old and died the same day.

Pet Cemetery

03-25-1984 (cutline): Pet burial average $350 to $500, but can cost more.

Pet Cemetery

04-04-1948 (cutline): Fresh flowers adorn many of the graves in Pet Memorial Park located just off Three Chopt Road about four miles beyond city.

USE -- HIDE VERTICAL GALLERY ASSET TITLES --