{"id":29270,"date":"2025-09-15T10:59:42","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T14:59:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=29270"},"modified":"2025-09-15T10:59:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T14:59:42","slug":"poultry-farmers-urged-to-practice-enhanced-biosecurity-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2025\/09\/15\/poultry-farmers-urged-to-practice-enhanced-biosecurity-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Poultry Farmers Urged to Practice Enhanced Biosecurity"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nFall Migration Brings Increased Risk of HPAI\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 15, 2025)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 With the fall migration underway, the\u00a0Maryland Department of Agriculture<\/strong>\u00a0is urging all poultry farmers to review and implement enhanced biosecurity plans. This comes after the confirmation of HPAI in a backyard flock in Anne Arundel County, marking the first such case since spring of 2025.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs we transition into the fall season, Maryland faces a heightened risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Our state experienced an unprecedented surge in detections earlier this year, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced vigilance,\u201d said\u00a0Secretary Kevin Atticks<\/strong>. \u201cFor our dedicated poultry farmers, biosecurity isn’t just a recommendation; it is, unequivocally, the most effective defense against HPAI. Proactive measures, stringent protocols, and unwavering adherence to best practices are essential to safeguard our flocks, protect our agricultural economy, and ensure the continued health of Maryland’s poultry industry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Migratory waterfowl moving through Maryland presents a heightened risk for HPAI, a devastating disease for poultry operations. HPAI is caused by an influenza type A virus, which can infect poultry (chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quails, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Commercial and backyard flock owners are urged to follow these guidelines to maintain a sanitary, biosecure premise:<\/span><\/p>\n