Avian Influenza in Poultry

High Path Avian Influenza: What you need to know

Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) continues to be a threat to poultry operations across the Country. With detections now confirmed in dairy cattle herds, it's important to know the signs of illness, how to test for the virus and what you can do to prevent the spread of HPAI.

Biosecurity is the best defense

Biosecurity continues to be the best defense for commercial and backyard poultry operations in protecting their flocks against Avian Influenza. Commercial and backyard flock owners are urged to follow these guidelines to maintain a sanitary, biosecure premise:

Restrict access to poultry by posting “Restricted Access” signage, securing the area with a gate, or both.
Take steps to ensure that contaminated materials on the ground are not transported into the poultry growing house or area.
Provide the following items to anyone entering or leaving any area where poultry are kept:
Footbaths and foot mats with disinfectant;
Boot washing and disinfectant station;
Footwear change or foot covers.
Cover and secure feed to prevent wild birds, rodents or other animals from accessing it.
Cover and properly contain carcasses, used litter, or other disease-containing organic materials to prevent wild birds, rodents or other animals from accessing them and to keep them from being blown around by wind.
Allow MDA to enter the premises during normal working hours to inspect your biosecurity and sanitation practices.
Report any unusual bird deaths or sudden increases in very sick birds to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810 or after-hours to 410-841-5971. Also contact the USDA at 866-536-7593.

MDA's State Veterinarian has also issued updated enhance guidance during times of high alert.

For Commericial Growers please visit this link - PDF.

For Backyard Flock Owners please visit this link - PDF.