Md. Department of Agriculture urges dairy cattle, poultry farmers to practice enhanced biosecurity
MARYLAND – The Maryland Department of Agriculture has released new guidance that urges dairy cattle and poultry farmers across the state to practice enhanced biosecurity due to the continuing circulation of Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
Over the past 30 days, detections across the country have increased, with a total of 90 confirmed flocks and 339 cases confirmed in dairy herds. There are no active cases in Maryland currently, however, it is recommended to maintain poultry indoors at this time if possible. All producers should also assess the risk to their poultry and make informed decisions about allowing outdoor access.
Poultry flock and dairy herd farmers are urged to follow the following minimum guidelines:
- Restrict access to poultry and livestock 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 livestock area
- Provide the following items to anyone entering or leaving any area where poultry and cattle 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 or dairy cattle to the department’s Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or after-hours to 410-841-5971. Also contact the USDA at 866-536-7593
The Department will assess the risk again in early April 2025.
More on avian influenza can be found here.
