A third case of Bird Flu has been reported in Maryland, with a flock of chickens at a farm in Caroline County testing positive for the disease. This is the third case of Bird Flu in the state, following two previous cases in Queen Anne’s and Kent Counties, Delaware.
The impacted area has been quarantined to prevent further spread of the disease, and the infected birds will be depopulated. The birds that test positive for Bird Flu are not entered into the food system, according to department officials.
Bird Flu, also known as Avian Influenza or H5N1, is a highly contagious respiratory virus that affects wild birds and can spread to poultry and dairy cows. It can be transmitted through contact with infected equipment, clothing, and shoes, as well as by nasal and eye secretions among birds.
In the US, there have been 67 reported human cases of Bird Flu, resulting in one death, according to CDC data. The risk of transmission between birds and humans is low.
Symptoms of Bird Flu in birds include a lack of energy and appetite, decreased egg production, nasal discharge, coughing, and sneezing. In severe cases, infected birds may die suddenly without showing any clinical signs.
The impact on the egg supply has been significant, with over 20 million chickens dying due to Bird Flu in the last quarter. However, most Maryland farms produce meat rather than eggs, and state veterinarians assure that food products are safe for consumption.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/maryland-caroline-county-bird-flu-chicken-eggs