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Maryland - Avian flu in poultry 2025-2026

March 27, 2025
Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Second Montgomery County Backyard Flock

​
HPAI SITUATION UPDATE: March 27, 2025

An additional backyard flock in Montgomery County, MDhas tested presumptive positive for H5 avian influenza at the Salisbury Animal Health Laboratory, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. Additional samples have been sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for further confirmation.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has quarantined the affected premises, and the birds on the property are being depopulated to prevent the spread of disease. Birds from the affected flock will not enter the food system.

All announcements and pertinent information regarding the HPAI situation in Maryland will be posted at www.mda.maryland.gov/avianflu. This is the second detection in Montgomery County following a detection in January.
​-snip-

IF YOU HAVE SICK POULTRY OR EXPERIENCE INCREASED MORTALITY
  • Commercial poultry producers should follow the protocol of notifying the company they grow for when they notice signs of disease.
  • Maryland backyard flock owners who notice any of the signs of HPAI in their flock should email the email the Maryland Department of Agriculture Animal Health team at md.birdflu@maryland.gov or animalhealth.mda@maryland.gov or by calling 410-841-5810. Please be prepared to provide your contact information, size of flock, location, and concerns. Do not take dead or sick birds to a lab to be tested to move them off-site.
As a reminder, backyard flock owners are required to register their flocks with the Maryland Department of Agriculture to assist in protecting Maryland’s poultry industries from diseases such as HPAI.

How to register?

Complete the Maryland Poultry Premises Registration Form

Email the form to animalhealth.mda@maryland.gov

Mail the form to 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401
​
https://news.maryland.gov/mda/bird-flu-blog/
 
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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...za/hpai-detections/commercial-backyard-flocks
 
Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Third Anne Arundel County Backyard Flock in 2025

​September 10, 2025


HPAI SITUATION UPDATE: September 10, 2025

A backyard flock in Anne Arundel County, MD has tested presumptive positive for H5 avian influenza at the Frederick Animal Health Laboratory, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. Additional samples have been sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for further confirmation. This is the third case in Anne Arundel County in 2025.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has quarantined the affected premises, and the birds on the property are being depopulated to prevent the spread of disease. Birds from the affected flock will not enter the food system.

All announcements and pertinent information regarding the HPAI situation in Maryland will be posted at www.mda.maryland.gov/avianflu. This is the third detection in Anne Arundel County following a detections in March and May.

​continued: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/bird-...d-anne-arundel-county-backyard-flock-in-2025/
 
Poultry Farmers Urged to Practice Enhanced Biosecurity

September 15, 2025

Fall Migration Brings Increased Risk of HPAI

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 15, 2025) – With the fall migration underway, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is urging all poultry farmers to review and implement enhanced biosecurity plans. This comes after the confirmation of HPAI in a backyard flock in Anne Arundel County, marking the first such case since spring of 2025.

“As we transition into the fall season, Maryland faces a heightened risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Our state experienced an unprecedented surge in detections earlier this year, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced vigilance,” said Secretary Kevin Atticks. “For our dedicated poultry farmers, biosecurity isn’t just a recommendation; it is, unequivocally, the most effective defense against HPAI. Proactive measures, stringent protocols, and unwavering adherence to best practices are essential to safeguard our flocks, protect our agricultural economy, and ensure the continued health of Maryland’s poultry industry.”

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.

# # #
​
https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press...ers-urged-to-practice-enhanced-biosecurity-4/
 
Poultry Farmers Urged to Practice Enhanced Biosecurity

November 7, 2025

ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 7, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture continues to remind all poultry farmers, whether commercial or backyard, to review and implement enhanced biosecurity plans. This comes after the confirmation of several cases of HPAI in backyard flocks in the Mid Atlantic region.

“We know HPAI is here, these confirmations serve as that reminder,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “For all of our poultry farmers (commercial and backyard), biosecurity is more than a suggestion; it is, without a doubt, the most potent protection against HPAI. To protect our flocks, preserve our agricultural economy, and guarantee the continued well-being of Maryland’s poultry industry, proactive actions, strict guidelines, and steadfast adherence to best practices are crucial.”

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;
    • PPE – coveralls, hair nets, and masks.
  • 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.
​https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press...ers-urged-to-practice-enhanced-biosecurity-5/
 
Media

Preliminary tests confirm bird flu at Queen Anne’s County commercial broiler farm
Dec 20, 2025​

QUEEN ANNE’S CO., Md. - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced a presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza, or bird flu, at a commercial broiler farm in Queen Anne’s County.

State officials say the affected farm has been quarantined and all birds on the properties are being euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the affected flock will not enter the food system, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The Department of Agriculture says this is the second case of bird flu detected in the county and the tenth in all of Maryland in 2025. On Saturday, Dec. 20, the department said final confirmation of the disease is pending testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratory.

... https://www.wboc.com/news/prelimina...cle_002c333f-36fd-4057-ad17-46725e07fd3a.html

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Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Queen Anne’s County

​December 20, 2025


ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 20, 2025)— The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced a presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza in a commercial broiler farm in Queen Anne’s County. This is the second case of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Queen Anne’s County this year and the tenth case in Maryland in 2025. State officials have quarantined all affected premises, and birds on the properties are being or have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from affected flocks will not enter the food system.

Confirmation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory is pending with final results anticipated in the coming days.

​... https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press...enic-avian-influenza-in-queen-annes-county-2/
 
Maryland Poultry Producers Urged to Move Flocks Indoors Due to Ongoing HPAI Risk

AgriculturePosted on January 16, 2026

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) remains an ongoing threat to both commercial and backyard poultry operations in Maryland and nationwide. Since January 2025, multiple commercial broiler flocks on the Delmarva Peninsula have tested positive for H5 avian influenza, with the most recent Maryland detection occurring in December 2025. The virus also continues to be detected in migrating wild birds, including snow geese and black vultures, underscoring the persistent risk of transmission to domestic poultry.

As of Jan. 8, 2026, HPAI has been confirmed in more than 2,000 flocks across all 50 states, affecting both commercial operations and backyard flocks. In response, the Maryland Department of Agriculture strongly recommends that all poultry producers move birds indoors and maintain confinement until the risk associated with outdoor access can be reassessed. Producers observing black vultures or wild waterfowl near their flocks should take immediate precautions and keep birds indoors.

All poultry producers are urged to maintain strict biosecurity practices, closely monitor flock health, and promptly report any unexplained illness or mortality to the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5810, available 24/7. Sightings of sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or USDA Wildlife Services.

Visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture's webpage, High Path Avian Influenza: What You Need to Know for the latest updates and resources. Additional guidance and prevention tips are available on the University of Maryland Extension’s HPAI resource page.
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https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/3056
 
Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wicomico County

​February 14, 2026

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 14, 2026)— The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced a presumptive positive case of H5 Avian Influenza in a commercial broiler farm in Wicomico County. This is the first case of highly pathogenic H5 Avian Influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Wicomico County this year and the second case in Maryland in 2026. State officials have quarantined all affected premises, and birds on the property are being or have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the affected flock will not enter the food system.

Confirmation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory is pending, with final results anticipated in the coming days.

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 in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. This virus affects poultry, like chickens, ducks, and turkeys, along with some wild bird species, such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.

According to the Maryland Department of Health, the risk of transmission between birds and the general public is low. Those who work directly with poultry or dairy farms may be more at risk and should follow key biosecurity practices.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture continues to urge growers and backyard flock owners to implement enhanced biosecurity practices and become familiar with what to do if HPAI is suspected in a flock. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares more guidance here.
  • Look for signs of illness. Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases.
  • Report suspected sick birds:
  • To report a possible case of HPAI in a commercial or backyard flock, call the MarylandDepartment of Agriculture at 410-841-5810.
  • Commercial chicken growers and backyard flock owners can email questions about the outbreak to MD.Birdflu@maryland.gov.
  • To report a sick wild bird in Maryland, call the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Services hotline at (877) 463-6497 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Key biosecurity practices:
  • Clean and disinfect transportation. Don’t walk through or drive trucks, tractors, or equipment in areas where waterfowl or other wildlife feces may be. If you can’t avoid this, clean your shoes, vehicle, and equipment thoroughly to prevent bringing disease agents back to your flock. This is especially important when visiting with farmers or those who hunt wildfowl, such as when gathering at a local coffee shop, restaurant, or gas station.
  • Remove loose feed. Don’t give wild birds, rodents, and insects a free lunch. Remove spilled or uneaten feed right away, and make sure feed storage units are secure and free of holes. Wild birds can carry HPAI.
  • Keep visitors to a minimum. Only allow those people who take care of your poultry to come in contact with your birds, including family and friends. Make sure everyone who has contact with your flock follows biosecurity principles.
  • Wash your hands before and after coming in contact with live poultry. Wash with soap and water. If using a hand sanitizer, first remove manure, feathers, and other materials from your hands because disinfectants will not penetrate organic matter or caked-on dirt.
  • Provide disposable boot covers (preferred) and/or disinfectant footbaths for anyone having contact with your flock. If using a footbath, be sure to remove all droppings, mud, or debris from boots and shoes using a long-handled scrub brush BEFORE stepping into the disinfectant footbath, and always keep it clean.
  • Change clothes before entering poultry areas and before exiting the property.
    Visitors should wear protective outer garments or disposable coveralls, boots, and headgear when handling birds, and shower and/or change clothes when leaving the facility.
  • Clean and disinfect tools or equipment before moving them to a new poultry facility. Before allowing vehicles, trucks, tractors, or tools and equipment – including egg flats and cases that have come in contact with birds or their droppings – to exit the property, make sure they are cleaned and disinfected to prevent contaminated equipment from transporting disease. Do not move or reuse items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected, such as cardboard egg flats.
For more information on High Path Avian Influenza in Maryland, please visit: https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/AvianFlu.aspx.

​https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press...athogenic-avian-influenza-in-wicomico-county/
 
NEWS RELEASE: Caroline County Control Area Released

​February 19, 2026

Caroline County Control Area Released

HPAI SITUATION UPDATE

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February, 19, 2026)-The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced the release of the control area within Caroline County, MD. The previously infected premise remains under quarantine, but all other farms in the former control area, provided they are not located within another active control area, are no longer subject to movement or placement restrictions and are no longer required to conduct enhanced surveillance testing specific to the control area.

Routine HPAI surveillance continues statewide. Farms that placed birds before the release of the control area are still required to complete biosecurity audits if those audits have not already been completed.

There is 1 active control area on the Delmarva in Wicomico County. Therefore, it is important to maintain strong, consistent biosecurity practices.

What Does it Take to Release a Control Area?

The following conditions must be met to release a Control Area:
​
continued: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press...elease-caroline-county-control-area-released/
 
Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Caroline County

February 25, 2026

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 25, 2026)— The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced a presumptive positive case of H5 Avian Influenza on a commercial broiler farm in Caroline County. This is the second case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Caroline County this year and the third case in Maryland in 2026. State officials have quarantined all affected premises, and birds on the property are being or have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the infected flock will not enter the food system.

Confirmation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory is pending, with final results anticipated in the coming days.

​continued: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press...U.S. Department,secretions, as well as manure.
 
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