D.C. area on high alert as bird flu hits poultry in Maryland, Delware

The Washington area officials are high on alert after bird flu was detected in three poultry farms in Maryland and Delaware, affecting more than 500,000 chickens.
The

Maryland Department of Agriculture

has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian H5N1 avian influenza (HPAI) in Caroline County after a routine sampling. This is the first case of the avian flu detected at Maryland commercial poultry since 2023, and the third in Delmarva region in the last 30 days when two Kent County. The officials also found instances of the strain in wild birds in two states, however, haven’t detected any human cases in the area so far.
“High Pathogenic Avian influenza or HPAI does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain healthy and safe to eat and handle. The Maryland Department of Agriculture, local health department, USDA, and partner organizations are working diligently to address the situation, including quarantining and testing nearby flocks. We continue to urge commercial growers and backyard flock owners to be on heightened alert for HPAI,” Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks said in a statement.

Though the experts cautioned that the risk of transmission of the bird flu to humans is low, however, that doesn’t settle down the concern, especially, after a man in Louisana was infected and died. He was the first person in the United States to die of avian influenza.
H5N1 is a respiratory virus that affects birds and spreads quickly, often through eyes, nasal secretions, and manure. In fall and spring, the ducks, geese, and swans migrate for the season, and that’s when the spread happens.

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.

The best way to prevent the infection is to avoid exposure to poultry, including direct contact with wild birds and other animals infected with or suspected to be infected with bird flu viruses. People involved in poultry farming are advised to take necessary precautions.