Preliminary Testing Confirms Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Queen Anne’s County
December 20, 2025
ANNAPOLIS, MD– The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced a presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza in a commercial broiler farm in Queen Anne’s County. This is the second case of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza (HPAI) on a commercial poultry farm in Queen Anne’s County this year and the tenth case in Maryland in 2025. State officials have quarantined all affected premises, and birds on the properties are being or have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.Birds from affected flocks will not enter the food system.
Confirmation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Veterinary services Laboratory is pending with final results anticipated in the coming days.
Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions, as well as manure. The virus can be spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.This virus affects poultry, like chickens, ducks, and turkeys, along with some wild bird species such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.
According to the Maryland Department of Health, the risk of transmission between birds and the general public is low. Those who work directly with poultry or dairy farms may be more at risk and should follow key biosecurity practices.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture continues to urge growers and backyard flock owners to enhance biosecurity practices and become familiar with what to do if HPAI is suspected in a flock. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention share more guidance here.
* Look for signs of illness. Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases.
* Report suspected sick birds:
* To report a possible case of HPAI in a commercial or backyard flock, call the Maryland
Protecting Your Maryland Poultry Flock from Avian Influenza
The maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is urging poultry owners to take proactive steps to protect their flocks from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). HPAI is a serious disease that can rapidly spread among birds, and while the risk to the general public is low, it can have a meaningful impact on poultry operations.Here’s how you can help safeguard your birds:
Biosecurity Measures:
* Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after contact with live poultry. If soap and water aren’t readily available, use a hand sanitizer, but ensure your hands are free of manure, feathers, and other organic material first, as thes prevent disinfectants from working effectively.
* Footwear Disinfection: Provide disposable boot covers (recommended) or disinfectant footbaths for anyone entering poultry areas. If using footbaths, thoroughly remove all droppings, mud, and debris from boots with a long-handled scrub brush before stepping into the disinfectant. Maintain the cleanliness of the footbath.
* Clothing Control: Change clothes before entering and exiting poultry areas. Visitors should wear protective outer garments,disposable coveralls,boots,and headgear when handling birds. They should shower and/or change clothes before leaving the facility.
* Equipment Sanitation: Clean and disinfect all tools and equipment before moving them between poultry facilities. Vehicles, trucks, tractors, and equipment – including egg flats and cases – must be cleaned and disinfected before leaving the property to prevent disease spread. Discard and do not reuse items that cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected, such as cardboard egg flats.
Further Information:
For the most up-to-date information on HPAI in maryland, please visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Avian Flu webpage: https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/AvianFlu.aspx.
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