GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The current outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which began in 2022, continues to impact locations around the U.S., and with the fall wild bird migration, heightened security is being stressed.
Recently, the Maryland Department of Agriculture announced that a preliminary test confirmed a case of bird flu in a backyard flock in Anne Arundel County. This was the third confirmed case of 2025 following two discoveries in March and May.
Once confirmed, the department quarantined the affected premises and ensured that the infected birds were depopulated to prevent the spread of disease.
Birds from the affected flock will not enter the food system, the Maryland Department of Agriculture said in a statement.
This is the first confirmation in the state since the spring, and the MDA is strongly encouraging all poultry farmers to review and implement enhanced biosecurity plans.
“As we transition into the fall season, Maryland faces a heightened risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Our state experienced an unprecedented surge in detections earlier this year, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced vigilance,” Kevin Atticks, secretary of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, said in a statement. “For our dedicated poultry farmers, biosecurity isn’t just a recommendation; it is, unequivocally, the most effective defense against HPAI.
“Proactive measures, stringent protocols, and unwavering adherence to best practices are essential to safeguard our flocks, protect our agricultural economy, and ensure the continued health of Maryland’s poultry industry,” Atticks continued.
Out west, the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) confirmed a case of HPAI in north central Montana, the state’s first confirmed case in domestic poultry this fall, in a recent statement. Before this, the most recent confirmation was in Gallatin County in March.
As we move into fall migration season, it’s important to remember that migratory waterfowl are the primary source of the virus and infections in domestic poultry. The MDOL advises poultry owners to house birds indoors, when possible, to reduce the risk of disease.
“With the increased risk to people working around infected animals and viral spread to other species, we cannot stress enough the importance of preventative measures,” Tahnee Szymanski, Montana state veterinarian, said. “The next crucial piece is rapid reporting of sick and dead animals to limit disease spread.”
To guarantee a sanitary and biosecure facility, the Maryland Department of Agriculture urge commercial and backyard flock owners to:
- 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.
- Cover and secure feed to prevent wild birds, rodents and other animals from accessing it.
- Cover and properly contain carcasses, used litter, or other disease-containing organic materials to prevent wild birds, rodents, and other animals from accessing them and to keep them from being blown around by the wind.
Also 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 or foot covers.
On Sept. 17, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reported that for the previous 30 days there have been 10 commercial flocks and 5 backyard flocks affected by HPAI. The commercial flocks include 8 in South Dakota and 2 in North Dakota. These combined confirmations total 530,000 affected birds.
For more information on bird flu, visit APHIS at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza.
