ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 5, 2026) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has officially declared the release of the control area within Wicomico County, MD on March 5, 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 no longer subject to movement or placement restrictions. This means that these farms can resume normal operations and are not 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 outbreaks are quickly identified and contained. The department also reminds farms that placed birds prior to the release of the control area that they are still required to complete biosecurity audits if they have not already done so.

The release of a control area is not a simple process and requires several conditions to be met. These include depopulation of the infected flock and capping of compost piles, completion of initial virus elimination for the infected premises, and required surveillance testing for both commercial and backyard flocks.

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Even though these control areas have been released, any farm in a control area that did not complete a biosecurity audit and had chicks placed before the control area was closed will still need to do so. This is crucial in preventing future outbreaks and protecting poultry from this highly contagious virus.

Avian influenza is known for its rapid spread among birds through nasal and eye secretions, manure, and contact with infected poultry or equipment. It can also be transmitted from wild bird species such as 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 among 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 remains committed to protecting the state's poultry industry and ensuring the safety of both commercial and backyard flocks.

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