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 (6 mile) 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 and Prevention.

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.

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