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Maryland Department of Agriculture

Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) continues to be a threat to poultry operations across the country. 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.   ​

Protect your flock

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. 

Signs of illness

Early detection is important to prevent the spread if disease. Know the warning signs of infections bird disease.

  • Sudden increase in deaths in your flock
  • Sneezing, gasping for air, coughing, and nasal discharge
  • Watery and green diarrhea
  • Lack of energy and poor appetite
  • Drop in egg production, soft, thin-shelled, or misshapen eggs
  • Swelling around the eyes, neck, and head
  • Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs
  • Tremors, drooping wings, circling, twisting of the head and neck, or lack of movement

Collection and Submission of Avian Influenza & New Castle 

More information on Collection and Submission of Samples - PDF - 135.04 KB

Report sick birds

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.​

Found a sick wild bird?​

Per guidance from the Department of Natural Resources​, anyone who sees sick or dead birds in the wild should not handle or move the birds, but should report them to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service by calling 1-877-463-6497. USDA Wildlife Services operators are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on state holidays. Those with phone numbers outside of Maryland should call 410-349-8055. Voicemails will be promptly returned.

Avian flu news releases

Resources