The H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been detected at a chicken operation in Caroline County, Maryland, marking the first case at a Maryland poultry farm since 2023. This discovery follows two cases of positive bird flu testing at commercial farms in Delaware and comes amid heightened concerns due to wild bird outbreaks and the circulation of the virus in the Washington, D.C., area. Officials have euthanized around 250,000 birds at the affected Maryland farm to prevent further spread. Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia are closely monitoring the situation and urging flock owners to take precautions.
Maryland Department of Agriculture officials said Friday the H5N1 strain of avian influenza was detected at a chicken operation in Caroline County, marking the first H5N1 case at a Maryland poultry farm since 2023. Caroline County is a little over 70 miles from Washington, D.C.
“Everybody is already on high alert because it’s the season,” Maryland state veterinarian Jennifer Trout said on Friday. “We’ve had wild bird outbreaks and positive flocks in Delaware, and now we have this one in Maryland.
Avian Influenza H5N1 Bird Flu Maryland Agriculture Public Health
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