Annapolis, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced on Friday a presumptive positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on a commercial broiler farm in Caroline County. This incident represents the second confirmed case of the disease on a commercial poultry operation in the county this year and the third such case statewide in 2026.
State veterinarians detected the H5 strain of the virus through preliminary testing, prompting immediate action to contain the outbreak. Officials quarantined the affected premises, and all birds on the property either have been or are being humanely depopulated to prevent further transmission. Importantly, none of the infected birds will enter the food supply, ensuring public safety remains uncompromised.
Confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory is pending, with results expected in the coming days. The rapid response underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding the poultry industry, a vital component of Maryland’s agricultural economy.
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads rapidly among avian species via nasal and eye secretions, manure, and contaminated equipment. Wild birds, particularly waterfowl, serve as natural reservoirs, facilitating transmission to domestic flocks through shared environments or human-mediated contact, such as on clothing or vehicles. The virus primarily impacts poultry like chickens, ducks, and turkeys, as well as certain wild birds including geese, shorebirds, and raptors.
While the risk to the general public is low, according to the Maryland Department of Health, individuals working directly with poultry or on dairy farms face a slightly elevated exposure risk. These workers are advised to adhere strictly to biosecurity protocols to minimize potential transmission to humans, though no human cases have been linked to this outbreak.
This latest detection follows a pattern of HPAI incidents in Maryland’s Eastern Shore region, where dense poultry farming operations provide fertile ground for the virus. The first case in Caroline County occurred earlier this year, highlighting ongoing challenges in an industry that contributes significantly to the state’s economy. In response, agricultural authorities have intensified surveillance and education efforts.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture continues to emphasize proactive measures for commercial growers and backyard flock owners. Key biosecurity practices include cleaning and disinfecting transportation vehicles and equipment to avoid cross-contamination, especially after exposure to areas frequented by wild birds. Removing spilled feed promptly prevents attracting rodents and wild birds, which can harbor the virus. Limiting visitors to essential personnel and requiring them to follow hygiene protocols—such as handwashing, using disposable boot covers or footbaths, and changing into protective clothing—forms the cornerstone of prevention.
Additionally, tools and equipment must be thoroughly sanitized before moving between facilities, and disposable items like cardboard egg flats should not be reused. The department recommends monitoring flocks for early warning signs of illness, such as respiratory distress, reduced egg production, or sudden deaths, and reporting suspicions immediately.
To report potential HPAI in commercial or backyard flocks, individuals can contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5810 or email avianflu.mda@maryland.gov. For sick wild birds, the hotline is (877) 463-6497, available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides detailed worker protection guidance online.
As Maryland’s poultry sector navigates these threats, enhanced vigilance and collaboration between state agencies, farmers, and federal partners remain essential. The ongoing quarantine and depopulation efforts aim to swiftly eradicate the current outbreak, protecting both animal health and the broader agricultural community. For comprehensive resources on avian influenza in Maryland, visit the department’s dedicated webpage. For more information, visit Maryland Department of Agriculture.