Avian Influenza Outbreak Winter 2024-2025

posted in: Chesapeake Bay News | 0
snow geese in flight
Snow Geese

A winter outbreak of avian influenza in the Chesapeake Bay watershed has potential to harm wildlife, disrupt business, and limit outdoor activities in the region.

On December 28, 2024, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced that laboratory testing returned presumptive positive findings of H5 avian influenza in sick and dead snow geese collected on December 27, 2024, in coastal Sussex County.

In January 2025, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) released information regarding infected snow geese at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County and in Worcester County on the Eastern Shore.

Testing of waterfowl by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Officials have advised the public that migratory waterfowl moving through Maryland presents a heightened risk for HPAI, a devastating disease for poultry operations. Avian influenza has also been detected in commercial poultry operations throughout the region.

On January 3, the Delaware Department of Agriculture announced that preliminary testing of a commercial broiler flock in Kent County, Delaware returned presumptive positive for H5 avian influenza (HPAI).

On January 10, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced that laboratory testing detected a case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) in Caroline County following routine sampling of a broiler operation.

On January 14, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced a second case in Maryland of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) of a commercial poultry operation in Queen Anne’s County.

On January 15, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced that laboratory testing detected a case of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) in an additional commercial broiler flock in Caroline County, within the initial control area of the first Caroline County positive farm.

On January 16, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced that testing of a commercial poultry flock in Accomack County returned presumptive positive results for H5N1 Avian Influenza.

On January 20, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced the first presumptive positive case of H5 avian influenza in a commercial broiler farm in Dorchester County.

Avian influenza, often called “bird flu,” is an airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds, and its presence should be considered endemic throughout Maryland’s wild bird populations, especially waterfowl and raptors.

HPAI is caused by an influenza type A virus, which can infect poultry, including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quails, domestic ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and others. The virus is carried by free flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds, according to MDA.

MDA urged poultry farmers to remain vigilant and practice enhanced biosecurity on their farms.

“The detections in our region should be very concerning to commercial and backyard flock owners,” said Secretary Kevin Atticks. “MDA is monitoring the situation very closely and will continue to provide updates as they become available.”

In January, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the agency has expanded its long-term contract with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to provide more wildlife technicians in the state to dispose of dead waterfowl, raptors, and other birds that could be carrying HPAI.

APHIS technicians specialize in eliminating and removing sick or dead wild birds. Their staff are trained and prepared to handle the biosecurity risks associated with these activities.

Maryland DNR urges anyone who sees sick or dead birds in the wild to 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.

Information and advisories concerning highly pathogenic avian influenza are available from U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and other federal and state agencies.

Related Information

Waterfowl

Birdwatching

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