A case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in Caroline County and is the first case of the H5N1 virus detected in one of Maryland’s commercial poultry facilities since 2023.
A case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in Caroline County and is the first case of the H5N1 virus detected in one of Maryland’s commercial poultry facilities since 2023.
This is also the third case reported in the Delmarva Peninsula region in the past 30 days, after two confirmed cases were detected in Kent County, Delaware, the Department of Agriculture said of Maryland. in a press release.
Maryland state and local surveillance of avian influenza has increased after preliminary testing of a commercial poultry flock in Delaware produced a “presumptive positive” result. Just a few days ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported first death from bird flu in the United States – one person in Louisiana.
Birds on the Maryland property were quarantined and caged to prevent the spread of the disease.
Dr. Jennifer Trout, a state veterinarian who oversees animal health, said once the birds are carefully quarantined, they will “disinfect the premises and then conduct testing to ensure the facility is flu-free “.
State Agriculture Agency Secretary Kevin Atticks said the virus does not affect poultry meat or egg products and the agency is working with partner organizations to address the current situation.
“Let’s say you have a flock with bird flu, those birds or their eggs won’t enter the food chain. It’s all about checks and balances,” Trout added.
Avian flu is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among farm animals, such as chickens and cows. It is often spread by contact with infected poultry on equipment and clothing. Thus, those who work directly with poultry or on dairy farms are at greater risk of contracting the disease.
Trout said the state will soon begin “bulk testing of raw milk so we can make sure we don’t have bird flu in our state’s dairy herd and help ensure none of this is being transmitted to poultry in our state. herd.”
Symptoms of bird flu in humans include red eyes, mild fever and cold-like symptoms, body aches and fatigue, According to the CDC. If you come into contact with live poultry, it is recommended that you wash your hands, clean equipment regularly, wear disposable foot covers, and change clothes before leaving a facility.
For more information on bird flu, visit the Ministry of Agriculture website.
WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report.
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