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Maryland: NEWS RELEASE: Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Caroline County

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ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 26, 2026) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has confirmed a presumptive positive case of H5 Avian Influenza on a commercial broiler farm in Caroline County. This marks the third case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Caroline County this year and the fourth case in Maryland in 2026.

State officials have taken immediate action by quarantining all affected premises and depopulating the birds on the property to prevent the spread of the disease. The Maryland Department of Agriculture has also reassured the public that birds from the infected flock will not enter the food system.

While confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratory is still pending, final results are expected to be released 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 transmitted through various means such as contact with infected poultry, wild birds, equipment, and even on clothing and shoes of caretakers. It primarily affects poultry species like chickens, ducks, and turkeys but can also impact some wild bird species such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.

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According to the Maryland Department of Health, there is a low risk of transmission between birds and humans. However, those who work directly with poultry or dairy farms may be more at risk and are advised to follow key biosecurity practices.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is urging growers and backyard flock owners to implement enhanced biosecurity measures and familiarize themselves with what to do if HPAI is suspected in their flock. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided additional guidance for those who may come into contact with infected birds.

In order to prevent further spread of the disease, it is important for individuals to be aware of the warning signs of infectious bird diseases and to report any suspected sick birds. To report a possible case of HPAI in a commercial or backyard flock, individuals can call the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5810. For commercial chicken growers and backyard flock owners, questions about the outbreak can be emailed to [email address]. In the case of a sick wild bird in Maryland, individuals can 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.

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To prevent the spread of HPAI, key biosecurity practices should be followed. These include cleaning and disinfecting transportation to avoid contact with wild bird feces, removing loose feed to prevent wild birds from carrying the virus, limiting visitors to those who care for the poultry, washing hands before and after contact with live poultry, providing disposable boot covers or footbaths for anyone entering poultry areas, changing clothes before entering or exiting poultry areas, and cleaning and disinfecting tools or equipment before moving them to a new facility.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture also advises against reusing items that cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected, such as cardboard egg flats.

For more information on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Maryland, individuals can visit https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/AvianFlu.aspx. It is important for everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of this disease among poultry populations in Maryland.

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