{"id":26962,"date":"2022-11-30T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=26962"},"modified":"2022-11-30T10:30:00","modified_gmt":"2022-11-30T15:30:00","slug":"highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-confirmed-in-washington-county","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2022\/11\/30\/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-confirmed-in-washington-county\/","title":{"rendered":"Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Washington County"},"content":{"rendered":"

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ANNAPOLIS, MD (November 30, 2022)\u2014 <\/b>Federal laboratory testing has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) in Maryland. Following an investigation by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed poultry from a Washington County\u00a0 farm has tested positive for HPAI.<\/span><\/p>\n

State officials have quarantined all affected premises, and birds on the properties have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds or poultry products from affected flocks will not enter the food supply chain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAvian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain healthy and safe to eat and handle. All poultry growers, operators, and owners, including those who manage backyard flocks, must remain vigilant,\u201d said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. \u201cMDA, USDA and other partner agencies are working diligently to address and localize the situation, including quarantining and testing nearby flocks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions. 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 chicken, and turkey, along with some wild bird species such as duck, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below you will find a list of common-sense biosecurity steps you can take followed by a list of Maryland state contacts if you suspect HPAI, be that in your backyard, wild birds, or a commercial operation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key biosecurity practices:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n