Case of avian influenza detected in Worcester County

WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has announced the detection highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Worcester County.

Officials say, following routine surveillance, poultry at the affected commercial broiler operation preliminarily tested positive for the virus, also known as “bird flu”. As a result, the affected property has been placed under quarantine. The flock is being depopulated to prevent further spread of the disease, and birds from the affected flock will not enter the food supply chain.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories is currently testing to confirm the disease, with final results expected in the coming days.

“It is critical that all commercial growers and backyard flock owners maintain strict biosecurity protocols and report any signs of illness immediately,” said MDA Secretary Kevin Atticks. “Our department, along with our state and federal partners, is monitoring the situation closely to protect Maryland’s agricultural community.”

Avian influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads rapidly among birds through nasal secretions, saliva and manure. The virus can easily travel between flocks via 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 bird species such as geese, shorebirds and raptors. Risk of transmission to the general public remains low.

For more information on avian influenza, visit MDA’s website here.