ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 29, 2026) ~ ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 29, 2026) - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has confirmed a presumptive positive case of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial broiler farm in Caroline County. This marks the first case of HPAI on a commercial poultry farm in Caroline County this year and the first case in Maryland for 2026.

State officials have taken immediate action by quarantining all affected premises and depopulating the birds on the property to prevent the spread of the disease. The affected flock will not enter the food system.

While confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratory is still pending, final results are expected to be released in the coming days.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that can easily spread among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be transmitted between flocks through various means such as contact with infected poultry, wild birds, equipment, and even on clothing and shoes of caretakers. This virus primarily affects poultry species like chickens, ducks, and turkeys but can also impact some wild bird species such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.

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According to the Maryland Department of Health, there is a low risk of transmission between birds and humans. However, those who work directly with poultry or dairy farms may be at a higher risk and are advised to follow key biosecurity practices.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is urging growers and backyard flock owners to implement enhanced biosecurity measures and familiarize themselves with what to do if HPAI is suspected in their flock. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided guidance on this matter.

In order to prevent further spread of the disease, it is important for individuals to be aware of signs of illness in birds and report any suspected cases immediately. To report a possible case of HPAI in a commercial or backyard flock, individuals can call the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5810. For any questions regarding the outbreak, commercial chicken growers and backyard flock owners can email the department.

In addition, individuals are advised to report any sick wild birds in Maryland by calling the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Services hotline at (877) 463-6497 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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To prevent the spread of HPAI, it is crucial to follow key biosecurity practices. These include cleaning and disinfecting transportation to avoid contact with wild bird feces, removing loose feed to prevent wild birds from carrying the virus, limiting visitors to those who take care of the poultry, washing hands before and after coming in contact with live poultry, providing disposable boot covers or disinfectant footbaths for anyone having contact with the flock, changing clothes before entering poultry areas and before exiting the property, and cleaning and disinfecting tools or equipment before moving them to a new poultry facility.

It is also important for visitors to wear protective outer garments or disposable coveralls, boots, and headgear when handling birds and to shower and/or change clothes when leaving the facility.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has provided more information on High Path Avian Influenza on their website for those seeking further information.

As state officials work towards containing this outbreak of HPAI in Caroline County, it is crucial for individuals involved in the poultry industry to remain vigilant and follow biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of this highly contagious disease.

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