Bird Flu Case Confirmed In MD Backyard Flock

CHARLES COUNTY, MD — Maryland state health officials on Wednesday confirmed a case of avian influenza was detected in a backyard flock in Charles County.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads among birds through manure and nasal and eye secretions. According to health officials, the virus spreads from flock to flock by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.

The virus affects chickens, ducks, and turkeys, in addition to wild bird species such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.

Health officials said testing determined the case in Charles County was H5N1 avian influenza. Officials with the Maryland Department of Agriculture quarantined the affected areas, officials said in a news release, and euthanized several birds to prevent the spread of the disease.

Confirmation of the case by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory is pending, state officials said. Final test results are expected in the coming days.

"The latest non-negative result should serve as a reminder for all poultry growers, operators and backyard flock owners to remain vigilant when it comes to the threat of (avian influenza), especially as the spring migratory season begins," Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks said in a statement. "Regardless of flock size, biosecurity remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of this disease among poultry."

To reduce the risk of bird flu infection, owners should take the following precautions:

• Clean and disinfect transportation. Don’t walk through or drive trucks, tractors, or equipment in areas where waterfowl or other wildlife feces may be. If you can’t avoid this, clean your shoes, vehicle, and equipment thoroughly to prevent bringing disease agents back to your flock.
• Remove loose feed. Don’t give wild birds, rodents and insects a free lunch.
• Keep visitors to a minimum. Only allow those people who take care of your poultry to come in contact with your birds, including family and friends.
• Wash your hands before and after coming in contact with live poultry. Wash with soap and water.
• Provide disposable boot covers or disinfectant footbaths for anyone having contact with your flock.
• Change clothes before entering poultry areas and before exiting the property.
• Visitors should wear protective outer garments or disposable coveralls, boots, and headgear when handling birds, and shower and/or change clothes when leaving the facility.
• Clean and disinfect tools or equipment before moving them to a new poultry facility.

Possible cases of avian influenza can be reported to the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5810. Commercial chicken growers and backyard flock owners can email questions to MD.Birdflu@maryland.gov.