A commercial broiler flock in Caroline County, Maryland has tested presumptive positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5, joining the initial control area of a first confirmed case on January 10. The Maryland Department of Agriculture has quarantined the premises and is depopulating the affected birds to prevent disease spread.
Avian influenza is a contagious airborne virus spreading among birds through nasal and eye secretions and manure. The virus affects poultry, wild birds, and some species, such as geese and shorebirds. Due to low risk to the general public, no immediate action is required by the CDC.
Commercial producers must report signs of disease to their company, while Maryland backyard flock owners can contact the Animal Health team at [email protected] or 410-841-5810 for assistance with HPAI concerns. The CDC assesses low risk to the general public, but workers with exposures without proper gear are at increased risk.
Additional information on HPAI is available on the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website (www.mda.maryland.gov/avianflu).
Source: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2025/01/15/preliminary-testing-confirms-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-in-second-caroline-county-farm