ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 4, 2026) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has officially declared the release of the control area within Cecil County, MD on April 4, 2026. This decision comes after extensive efforts to contain and eliminate the highly contagious avian influenza virus that had previously infected the area.

According to the department, the previously infected premise will remain 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 without any limitations, as long as they are not located within another active control area.

In addition, these farms are no longer required to conduct enhanced surveillance testing specific to the control area. However, routine HPAI surveillance will continue statewide to ensure early detection and prevention of any potential outbreaks.

The release of a control area is not an easy process and requires certain conditions to be met. First and foremost, the infected flock must be depopulated and compost piles must be capped. Furthermore, initial virus elimination must be completed for the infected premises. Additionally, required surveillance testing for commercial and backyard flocks must also be completed.

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Despite the release of these control areas, farms that had chicks placed before the closure of the control area are still required to complete biosecurity audits if they have not already done so. This is a crucial step in preventing future outbreaks and ensuring the safety of poultry in Maryland.

Avian influenza 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. The virus can affect both domestic poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, as well as some wild bird species including ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.

In light of this news, commercial poultry producers are advised to notify their respective companies if they notice any signs of disease in their flocks. Backyard flock owners are also urged to report any unusual or sudden increases in sickness or mortality to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810.

For more information on High Path Avian Influenza in Maryland, the public is encouraged to visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture's website at https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/AvianFlu.aspx. The department will continue to monitor and address any potential threats to the poultry industry in the state.

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