Agriculture officials have found a suspected case of avian flu on an Eastern Shore chicken farm in Caroline County, Maryland. This would be the second case in the county and the third in the state this year. The highly contagious disease primarily threatens the agriculture industry rather than human health. The farm is under quarantine while US Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory works to confirm the outbreak.
Bird flu can easily spread among birds through nasal and eye secretions, manure, and contact with equipment or wild birds. To mitigate this risk, officials have called for increased biosecurity measures on farms and backyard flocks, including limiting bird contact and extra disinfection of vehicles and personal belongings.
Despite low public health risks, there have been 71 reported human cases of avian influenza since 2024, mostly among poultry workers or caretakers. Symptoms in humans include fever, cough, and muscle aches, with more severe complications such as pneumonia possible. Experts warn that bird flu is not going away anytime soon and urge the federal government to reconsider vaccine development efforts.
Source: https://www.thebanner.com/community/public-health/bird-flu-chickens-vaccine-46UMUJ5FNVAR5OBP6Z4FCB2LVE