~ Montgomery County, MD - An additional backyard flock in Montgomery County has tested presumptive positive for H5 avian influenza, according to the Salisbury Animal Health Laboratory. The laboratory is part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and has sent additional samples to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) for further confirmation.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has taken swift action by quarantining the affected premises and initiating depopulation of the birds on the property. This is to prevent the spread of disease, and it has been assured that none of the affected birds will enter the food system.

This is not the first time that Montgomery County has been hit by avian influenza. In January, there was a detection in the same county, making this the second incident within a few months.

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, equipment, and even clothing and shoes of caretakers. This virus affects poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, as well as some wild bird species like ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.

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In light of this recent development, commercial poultry producers are advised to follow protocol by notifying their respective companies when they notice any signs of disease in their flocks. Backyard flock owners in Maryland are also urged to take necessary precautions by contacting the Maryland Department of Agriculture Animal Health team at md.birdflu@maryland.gov or animalhealth.mda@maryland.gov or by calling 410-841-5810 if they notice any signs of HPAI in their flocks.

It is important for backyard flock owners to register their flocks with the Maryland Department of Agriculture as it helps in protecting Maryland's poultry industries from diseases like HPAI. To register a flock, owners can complete the Maryland Poultry Premises Registration Form and email it to animalhealth.mda@maryland.gov or mail it to 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reassured the public that the current risk of H5N1 bird flu to the general population remains low. However, individuals with job- or recreation-related exposures to infected animals are at an increased risk, especially if they do not use appropriate personal protective equipment. The CDC has provided additional information for workers exposed to H5N1 bird flu.

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In addition, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is urging waterfowl hunters to take necessary precautions by washing their hands and clothes after handling game and using dedicated clothing, boots, and tools for cleaning game that are not used around domestic poultry or pet birds. If anyone comes across a dead wild bird, they are advised to call USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at 1-877-463-6497. The department is coordinating collection and disposal efforts with the Department of Natural Resources.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture will continue to provide updates on the HPAI situation in Maryland on their website www.mda.maryland.gov/avianflu. It is important for all individuals involved in poultry production or hunting activities to stay informed and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus.

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