~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced the release of the second control area within Caroline County, MD in response to the ongoing outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This decision comes after thorough evaluation and monitoring of the situation.

The previously infected premise remains under quarantine, but all other farms in the former control area are now free from movement and placement restrictions. This means that these farms can resume normal operations and are no longer required to conduct enhanced surveillance testing specific to the control area, as long as they are not located within another active control area.

However, routine HPAI surveillance will continue statewide to ensure that any potential cases are identified and addressed promptly. Farms that placed birds before the release of the control area are still required to complete biosecurity audits if they have not already done so.

It is important for all poultry producers in Maryland's Eastern Shore, particularly in Caroline and Cecil Counties where active control areas remain, to maintain strong and consistent biosecurity practices. This is crucial in preventing further spread of the virus.

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The release of a control area requires several conditions to be met. First, the infected flock must be depopulated and compost piles must be capped. Additionally, initial virus elimination must be completed for the infected premises. Finally, required surveillance testing for commercial and backyard flocks must be completed. Even after a control area is released, any farm within it that did not complete a biosecurity audit and had chicks placed before its closure will still need to do so.

HPAI is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds through nasal and eye secretions and manure. It can also be transmitted from flock to flock through contact with infected poultry or equipment, as well as through clothing and shoes of caretakers. The virus affects various types of poultry such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, as well as some wild bird species including ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.

In the event of sick poultry or increased mortality, commercial poultry producers are advised to notify the company they grow for immediately. Backyard flock owners should not take dead or sick birds to a lab for testing or move them off-site. Instead, they should report any unusual or sudden increases in illness or death to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture continues to work diligently to contain and manage the HPAI outbreak in the state. They urge all poultry producers and backyard flock owners to remain vigilant and follow strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and prevent further spread of the virus.

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