A highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) case has been detected in a backyard flock in Montgomery County, Maryland. To prevent the spread of the disease, the affected premises have been quarantined, and birds on the properties are being or have been depopulated.
The risk to the general public remains low, but officials urge flock owners to follow biosecurity measures, register their birds, and report suspected cases. Additional precautions are recommended for hunters and those in close contact with poultry.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread through various means, including wild birds, contact with infected poultry, equipment, and on clothing and shoes of caretakers.
To protect Maryland’s poultry industries from diseases like HPAI, backyard flock owners are required to register their flocks with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Registration helps identify at-risk animals and premises.
Maryland residents who work directly with poultry or dairy farms may be more at risk and should follow key biosecurity practices. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides additional resources on bird flu.
Hunters are urged to take safety precautions by washing hands and clothes after handling game, using dedicated clothing, boots, and tools, and reporting dead wild birds. Individuals can contact the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at 1-877-463-6497 for collection and disposal efforts.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture recommends the following biosecurity steps:
* Look for signs of illness in birds
* Report suspected sick birds to 410-841-5810
* Clean and disinfect transportation and equipment before moving them to a new poultry facility
* Remove loose feed and keep visitors to a minimum
* Wash hands and change clothes before entering poultry areas
For more information on avian influenza, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s website at https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/AvianFlu.aspx
Source: https://mocoshow.com/2025/01/30/highly-pathogenic-h5n1-avian-influenza-hpai-detected-in-montgomery-county