ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 20, 2025) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has reported a presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza in a commercial broiler farm located in Queen Anne's County. This marks the second case of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in the county this year and the tenth case in Maryland for 2025. State officials have taken immediate action by quarantining all affected premises and depopulating birds on the properties to prevent further spread of the disease. It has been confirmed that birds from affected flocks will not enter the food system.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory is currently conducting tests to confirm the presence of HPAI, with final results expected 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 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 such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, but can also impact some wild bird species including 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 the general public. 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 both commercial chicken growers and backyard flock owners to enhance their biosecurity practices 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 additional guidance on this matter.

In order to prevent further spread of the disease, it is important for individuals to be aware of warning signs of infectious bird diseases and to report any suspected sick birds. 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 at [email address].

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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.

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

It is important for individuals to be vigilant in following these practices as contaminated equipment can easily transport disease. For more information on High Path Avian Influenza in Maryland, please visit https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/AvianFlu.aspx.

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