A case of the avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, was confirmed in Caroline County, and it marks the first case of the H5N1 virus found at one of Maryland’s commercial poultry facilities since 2023.
Maryland state and local surveillance of the bird flu has been increasing after preliminary testing of a commercial poultry flock in Delaware produced a “presumptive positive” result.
Just a few days ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the first U.S. bird flu death — a person in Louisiana.
Bird flu is a highly contagious, airborne, respiratory virus that spreads easily among farm animals, such as chickens and cows.
If you come in contact with live poultry, it’s recommended to wash your hands, clean off equipment routinely, wear disposable foot coverings and change clothing before exiting a facility.
The first instance of the H5N1 virus discovered at a commercial poultry facility in Maryland since 2023 was the confirmed case of avian influenza, also referred to as bird flu, in Caroline County.
Additionally, according to a news release from Maryland’s Department of Agriculture, it is the third case to be reported in the Delmarva Peninsula region in the past 30 days, following the discovery of two confirmed cases in Kent County, Delaware.
Early testing of a commercial poultry flock in Delaware yielded a “presumptive positive” result, which prompted Maryland to increase state and local bird flu surveillance. The first U.S. health outbreak was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention a few days ago. A. Death from bird flu—a Louisiana resident.
The birds on the Maryland property have been crated and placed under quarantine to stop the disease from spreading.
Dr. The State Veterinarian in charge of animal health, Jennifer Trout, stated that following a thorough quarantine of the birds, they will “disinfect the premises, and then test to make sure that facility is free of the influenza.”. “.”.
Kevin Atticks, the secretary of the state agriculture agency, stated that the virus does not impact poultry meat or egg products. The agency is collaborating with other organizations to tackle the persistent issue.
A flock of birds with avian influenza, for example, would not be able to enter the food chain through their eggs. “Checks and balances are crucial,” Trout continued.
Bird flu is a respiratory virus that is highly contagious and spreads easily among farm animals, including cows and chickens. Those who work directly with poultry or on dairy farms are more likely to get the disease because it is frequently spread by contact with infected poultry on clothing and equipment.
In order to ensure that there is no avian influenza in our state’s dairy herd and that none of that is spreading to our state’s poultry flock, Trout stated that the state will shortly begin “bulk tank testing of raw milk.”. “”.
Human bird flu symptoms include eye redness, body aches, fatigue, and mild fever and cold-like symptoms, according to the CDC. It is advised to wash your hands frequently, wipe down equipment, put on disposable foot coverings, and change clothes before leaving a facility where you have come into contact with live poultry.
Visit the Department of Agriculture’s website to learn more about avian influenza.
Kate Ryan from WTOP contributed to this report.
Sign up here to receive daily headlines and breaking news sent straight to your inbox.
© 2025 WTOP. All rights reserved. Users from the European Economic Area are not supposed to use this website.
