Local officials monitor spread of Avian Flu in U.S. dairy cows

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) — According to Ohio County Health officials, there is a heightened awareness surrounding Avian Flu, also known as Bird Flu.

The Wheeling Ohio County Health Department is monitoring a multi-state outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows in the U.S.

According to the CDC there are no reported cases of the virus in cows or humans in West Virginia but there have been reports of positive cases in other states.

The Director of the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department, Howard Gamble explains why there is a concern surrounding the rare virus.

With a flu, there’s over 200 types, just about 200 types of flu viruses. H’s and N’s, you have A’s, B’s and C’s. So, when you have a a novel virus introduced H5N1, typically we don’t see that. When that’s introduced and circulating, now we have four individuals diagnosed, there’s more of a concern.”

Howard Gamble – Director, Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department

Gamble says for right now they will continue to monitor the cattle population, farm workers, people working with birds, and people who are positive or around a positive case.

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