Maryland Detects Avian Influenza in Commercial Poultry, First Outbreak in Over a Year

Maryland has identified avian influenza in three commercial poultry flocks over the past week, marking the state’s first outbreak in more than a year. The cases emerged shortly after a joint command was established with Delaware following its detection of the H5N1 virus in two poultry operations.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza has been circulating in North America since 2022, but recent months have been particularly devastating for the poultry industry. In the fall, more than 20 million egg-laying hens were lost, the highest toll since the outbreak began, driving egg prices upward.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), approximately 134 million birds in the commercial poultry sector have been affected nationwide. While the USDA is building a stockpile of H5N1 vaccines for poultry, there are no immediate plans to deploy them, according to Eric Deeble, deputy under-secretary for marketing and regulatory programs.

Officials emphasize the need for heightened vigilance among farmers and those in contact with animals. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert urging hospitals to test flu-positive patients, especially those in intensive care, within 24 hours to expedite contact tracing and public health investigations.

In the Delmarva Peninsula, a region spanning Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, poultry is a $4.4 billion industry. The area produces 601 million broilers annually—about 6.5% of the nation’s supply. The first signs of the virus’s return to Delmarva came from routine wastewater testing near Georgetown, Delaware, in early December. Shortly after, a probable human case with no known animal exposure was detected.

The virus also appeared in migratory birds. Between 40 and 50 snow geese were found sick or dead on Prime Hook Beach in Delaware in late December. By early January, seven more were discovered near Maryland’s Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Both groups tested positive for the highly pathogenic strain.

The outbreak among poultry began in Delaware’s Kent County, with two flocks testing positive in early January. Maryland soon followed, detecting cases in broiler farms in Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties.

“Every commercial flock in Delaware and Maryland is tested for avian influenza before processing,” said Stacey Hofmann, spokesperson for the Delaware-Maryland Avian Influenza Joint Information Center. “There are no exceptions.”

When suspected cases are confirmed, infected flocks are culled to prevent further spread. State health departments also provide guidance to farm workers, including recommendations for protective gear and monitoring symptoms.

Since March 2024, 67 confirmed and seven probable cases of H5N1 have been reported in the U.S., including three with no known animal exposure. At least 23 people have contracted the virus from commercial poultry operations, and one individual in Louisiana died after exposure to a backyard flock and wild birds. The same strain hospitalized a 13-year-old girl in British Columbia, Canada.

CDC Principal Deputy Director Nirav Shah stressed the importance of rapid testing to understand how the virus spreads and whether it’s evolving. “The system right now tells us what has already happened,” he said. “What we need is to shift to a system that tells us what’s happening in the moment.”
Or continued vigilance and stringent biosecurity measures to‍ mitigate⁣ the spread of avian influenza, as the recent cases in Maryland underscore ⁤the ⁤persistent threat posed by the H5N1 virus. The collaboration between Maryland and Delaware serves as a critical reminder of the importance of regional cooperation⁣ in addressing ⁢this highly contagious disease, wich ⁣has already inflicted critically important losses on the poultry industry ‍and disrupted food supply⁢ chains.⁢

As the USDA explores long-term solutions, ⁤including vaccine stockpiling, the immediate focus remains‍ on prevention, early detection, and rapid‍ response to outbreaks. Poultry producers, in partnership with‌ federal and state agencies, must prioritize biosecurity protocols to protect ⁣thier flocks ⁤and safeguard the broader agricultural economy.

The resurgence of avian influenza in Maryland highlights the ongoing challenges of managing ⁢this virus in‍ a dynamic and interconnected habitat. While the road ahead is fraught with uncertainties,proactive⁣ measures and ‌coordinated ⁤efforts can​ definitely⁢ help mitigate ​the impact on the poultry sector and ensure ⁣the stability of food supplies for consumers. The lessons learned from this outbreak must inform​ future strategies to combat avian influenza, paving the way for a more ⁣resilient ⁢and prepared poultry‌ industry.
Unified Command. “This swift reporting is done to ensure the market remains safe for consumers.”

The USDA has not disclosed data on depopulations, as the federal agency gives priority to animal welfare. However, hofmann noted that affected flocks are depopulated using approved, humane procedures.”

The resurgence of avian influenza in Maryland and Delaware underscores the ongoing threat posed by the H5N1 virus to both the poultry industry and public health. The recent outbreaks highlight the critical need for continued vigilance, rapid detection, and coordinated response efforts to mitigate the spread of this highly pathogenic strain.Farmers, health officials, and the public must remain proactive in identifying and addressing potential cases, ensuring the safety of both animal populations and consumers. While the USDA’s progress of a vaccine stockpile offers a glimmer of hope,the focus must remain on preventive measures and swift action to protect the $4.4 billion poultry industry in the Delmarva peninsula and beyond. As the situation evolves, collaboration between states, federal agencies, and the private sector will be essential to safeguard animal health, economic stability, and public well-being.