A case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a backyard flock in Montgomery County, Maryland. The Maryland Department of Agriculture has quarantined the affected premises and depopulated the birds to prevent the spread of the disease.
Avian influenza is a contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. It affects chickens, ducks, and turkeys, as well as some wild bird species. However, the risk of transmission between birds and humans is low, with most cases affecting individuals who work directly with poultry or dairy farms.
To prevent the spread of the virus, Maryland officials recommend implementing biosecurity measures. These include looking for signs of illness in birds, reporting suspected sick birds to 410-841-5810, cleaning and disinfecting transportation, removing loose feed, keeping visitors to a minimum, washing hands before and after contact with live poultry, providing disposable boot covers, changing clothes, and cleaning tools or equipment.
The Maryland Department of Health advises waterfowl hunters to take safety precautions by washing hands and clothes after handling game and using dedicated clothing, boots, and tools for cleaning game that are not used around domestic poultry or pet birds. Individuals who encounter a dead wild bird should call USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at 1-877-463-6497.
According to the CDC, avian influenza can be spread through various means, including wild birds, contact with infected poultry, equipment, and on clothing and shoes of caretakers. It is essential for individuals who work with poultry or dairy farms to follow key biosecurity practices to prevent the spread of the disease.
Source: https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/maryland-bird-flu-avian-influenza-case-detected-in-montgomery-countybackyard-flock-department-of-agriculture-health-natural-resources-usda-animal-and-plant-health-inspection-service-dnr-chickens-alert