ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture continues to remind all poultry farmers, whether commercial or backyard, to review and implement enhanced biosecurity plans. This comes after the confirmation of several cases of HPAI in backyard flocks in the Mid Atlantic region.
“We know HPAI is here, these confirmations serve as that reminder,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. “For all of our poultry farmers (commercial and backyard), biosecurity is more than a suggestion; it is, without a doubt, the most potent protection against HPAI. To protect our flocks, preserve our agricultural economy, and guarantee the continued well-being of Maryland’s poultry industry, proactive actions, strict guidelines, and steadfast adherence to best practices are crucial.”
Migratory waterfowl moving through Maryland presents a heightened risk for HPAI, a devastating disease for poultry operations. HPAI is caused by an influenza type A virus, which can infect poultry (chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quails, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese and shorebirds.
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;
- PPE – coveralls, hair nets, and masks.
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.
For more information on avian influenza, please visit the department’s website.
