ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 18, 2024) ~ The Maryland Department of Agriculture has issued new guidance for dairy cattle and poultry farmers in the state, urging them to remain vigilant and practice enhanced biosecurity measures on their farms. This comes as a response to the continued circulation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) detections in wild birds in the Atlantic Flyway.

According to the department, HPAI was first detected in poultry in early 2022 and has since been confirmed in lactating dairy cattle as well. This poses an increased risk of infection between cattle herds and poultry flocks. However, consumers are reminded that pasteurized milk and properly prepared poultry products are still safe to consume.

In the past 30 days, there has been an increase in HPAI detections across the United States, with 90 confirmed flocks and 339 cases confirmed in dairy herds. Fortunately, there are currently no active cases in Maryland. Despite this, the Maryland Department of Agriculture is recommending that if possible, poultry should be kept indoors during this period of heightened risk. They also advise all producers to assess the risk to their poultry and make informed decisions about allowing outdoor access. The department plans to reassess the risk again in early April 2025 to offer further recommendations.

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Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks stated, "Maryland poultry farms and dairy farms should remain on high alert for HPAI infections in both poultry flocks and dairy cattle herds." He also emphasized that as many farms in Maryland have mixed species, it is crucial for farmers to be mindful of comingling poultry with dairy cattle and increase biosecurity measures on all farms with these animals.

To maintain a sanitary and biosecure premise, farmers are urged to follow minimum guidelines such as restricting access to poultry and livestock areas by posting signage or securing them with gates. They should also take steps to prevent contaminated materials from being transported into these areas. Additionally, farmers should provide footbaths and mats with disinfectant, boot washing and disinfectant stations, and require footwear changes or foot covers for anyone entering or leaving these areas.

Other measures include covering and securing feed to prevent wild birds, rodents, or other animals from accessing it, as well as properly containing carcasses, used litter, or other disease-containing organic materials. The department also requests that farmers allow them to inspect their biosecurity and sanitation practices during normal working hours.

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In case of any unusual bird deaths or sudden increases in sick birds or dairy cattle, farmers are advised to report it to the department's Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or after-hours at 410-841-5971. They can also contact the USDA at 866-536-7593. The department's website also provides information on HPAI and biosecurity measures.

The USDA APHIS' website for its Defend the Flock program and HPAI in Livestock, as well as the University of Maryland Extension programs, offer valuable resources for poultry owners. These include instructional videos to help mitigate the risk of HPAI on their farms.

For more information on avian influenza, please visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture's website.

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