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Maryland Department of Natural Resources
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Laboratory testing has provided preliminary confirmation of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza (HPAI) in seven dead snow geese found in Worcester and Dorchester counties.
Avian influenza is an airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds, although risk to human health is considered low.
Anyone who fills birdfeeders for the winter should feel free to do so, as songbirds also carry very low risk of getting or spreading the virus.
Poultry are at risk and owners should practice biosecurity measures as provided by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Hunting wild birds remains safe but some guidelines should be followed: Never harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead, wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer immediately after handling game; use disposable gloves when handling game and double-bag offal and feathers; and use dedicated tools for cleaning game, whether in the field or at home, that are not used around poultry or pet birds. More information is available at - https://mddnr.info/4097PaU
https://www.facebook.com/MarylandDNR/posts/pfbid0PWmi5gw7sNTmm5Nt9J21xndENEfQXG65rkXQFwBfLYgN sZKp1JgdAEu6uXFGqD78l
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Newsroom
Poultry Farmers Urged to Practice Enhanced Biosecurity
January 9, 2025
High Path Avian Influenza Identified in Maryland Wildlife
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 9, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is urging all poultry farmers to remain vigilant and practice enhanced biosecurity on their farms after U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in snow geese in Dorchester and Worcester Counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. These wild bird detections come in the midst of HPAI cases in two commercial poultry operations in Kent County, DE.
“The detections in our region should be very concerning to commercial and backyard flock owners,” said Secretary Kevin Atticks. “MDA is monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to provide updates as they become available.”
Migratory waterfowl moving through Maryland presents a heightened risk for HPAI, a devastating disease for poultry operations. HPAI is caused by an influenza type A virus, which can infect poultry (chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quails, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds.
Commercial and backyard flock owners are urged to follow these guidelines to maintain a sanitary, biosecure premise:
For more information on avian influenza, please visit the department’s website.
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5h
Laboratory testing has provided preliminary confirmation of Highly Pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza (HPAI) in seven dead snow geese found in Worcester and Dorchester counties.
Avian influenza is an airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds, although risk to human health is considered low.
Anyone who fills birdfeeders for the winter should feel free to do so, as songbirds also carry very low risk of getting or spreading the virus.
Poultry are at risk and owners should practice biosecurity measures as provided by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Hunting wild birds remains safe but some guidelines should be followed: Never harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead, wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer immediately after handling game; use disposable gloves when handling game and double-bag offal and feathers; and use dedicated tools for cleaning game, whether in the field or at home, that are not used around poultry or pet birds. More information is available at - https://mddnr.info/4097PaU
https://www.facebook.com/MarylandDNR/posts/pfbid0PWmi5gw7sNTmm5Nt9J21xndENEfQXG65rkXQFwBfLYgN sZKp1JgdAEu6uXFGqD78l
------------------------------------------------
...
Newsroom
Poultry Farmers Urged to Practice Enhanced Biosecurity
January 9, 2025
High Path Avian Influenza Identified in Maryland Wildlife
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 9, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture is urging all poultry farmers to remain vigilant and practice enhanced biosecurity on their farms after U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in snow geese in Dorchester and Worcester Counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. These wild bird detections come in the midst of HPAI cases in two commercial poultry operations in Kent County, DE.
“The detections in our region should be very concerning to commercial and backyard flock owners,” said Secretary Kevin Atticks. “MDA is monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to provide updates as they become available.”
Migratory waterfowl moving through Maryland presents a heightened risk for HPAI, a devastating disease for poultry operations. HPAI is caused by an influenza type A virus, which can infect poultry (chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quails, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds.
Commercial and backyard flock owners are urged to follow these guidelines to maintain a sanitary, biosecure premise:
- Restrict access to poultry by posting “Restricted Access” signage, securing the area with a gate, or both.
- Take steps to ensure that contaminated materials on the ground are not transported into the poultry growing house or area.
- Provide the following items to anyone entering or leaving any area where poultry are kept:
- Footbaths and foot mats with disinfectant;
- Boot washing and disinfectant station;
- Footwear change or foot covers.
- Cover and secure feed to prevent wild birds, rodents or other animals from accessing it.
- Cover and properly contain carcasses, used litter, or other disease-containing organic materials to prevent wild birds, rodents or other animals from accessing them and to keep them from being blown around by wind.
- Allow MDA to enter the premises during normal working hours to inspect your biosecurity and sanitation practices.
- Report any unusual bird deaths or sudden increases in very sick birds to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or after-hours to 410-841-5971. Also contact the USDA at 866-536-7593.
For more information on avian influenza, please visit the department’s website.
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