State laboratory testing has detected a case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) in Worcester County, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced. Following routine surveillance, poultry at a commercial broiler operation preliminarily tested positive for the virus.
State officials have placed the property under quarantine, and the flock is being depopulated to prevent further spread of the disease. Birds from the affected flock will not enter the food supply chain. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) is testing to confirm the disease, with final results expected in the coming days.
“Poultry meat and egg products remain safe to consume, but avian influenza continues to pose a serious threat to animal health,” said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. He said it is critical that all commercial growers and backyard flock owners maintain strict biosecurity protocols and report any signs of illness immediately, and that the department and its state and federal partners are monitoring the situation closely.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads rapidly among birds through nasal secretions, saliva and manure. It can travel between flocks through wild birds, contact with infected poultry, or on contaminated equipment, clothing and footwear. It affects domestic poultry including chickens, ducks and turkeys, as well as wild birds such as geese, shorebirds and raptors.
The Maryland Department of Health emphasizes that the risk of transmission to the general public remains low.
MDA is urging commercial operators and domestic bird owners to monitor flock health, learn the warning signs of avian illness and check birds regularly. Suspected HPAI cases should be reported immediately to MDA at 410-841-5810. Commercial chicken growers and backyard flock owners can email questions about the outbreak to MD.Birdflu@maryland.gov.
The department’s biosecurity recommendations start with transportation. Don’t walk through or drive trucks, tractors or equipment in areas where waterfowl or other wildlife feces may be, and if that can’t be avoided, clean shoes, vehicles and equipment thoroughly so disease agents don’t come back to the flock. MDA says this is especially important when visiting with farmers or people who hunt wild fowl, such as at a local coffee shop, restaurant or gas station.
Owners should remove spilled or uneaten feed right away and make sure feed storage units are secure and free of holes, since wild birds can carry HPAI. MDA also recommends keeping visitors to a minimum, allowing contact only by the people who take care of the birds, including family and friends, and making sure everyone who has contact with the flock follows biosecurity principles.
Wash hands with soap and water before and after contact with live poultry. If using hand sanitizer, first remove manure, feathers and other materials, because disinfectants will not penetrate organic matter or caked-on dirt.
MDA recommends providing disposable boot covers (preferred) and/or disinfectant footbaths for anyone who has contact with the flock. Before stepping into a footbath, remove all droppings, mud or debris from boots and shoes with a long-handled scrub brush, and keep the footbath clean.
Change clothes before entering poultry areas and before leaving 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.
Tools and equipment should be cleaned and disinfected before they move to a new poultry facility. Vehicles, trucks, tractors, tools and equipment, including egg flats and cases, that have come in contact with birds or their droppings should be cleaned and disinfected before leaving the property. Items that can’t be cleaned and disinfected, such as cardboard egg flats, should not be moved or reused.
For more information on avian influenza, visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s avian influenza page.
