~ Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has officially announced the release of the control area within Queen Anne's County, MD. This decision comes after extensive efforts to contain and eliminate the highly contagious avian influenza virus that had previously infected a premise in the county.

According to Lauren Moses, spokesperson for the department, all farms within the former control area are no longer subject to movement or placement restrictions. This includes farms that are not located within another active control area. Additionally, these farms are no longer required to conduct enhanced surveillance testing specific to the control area.

However, routine surveillance for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) will continue statewide as a precautionary measure. Farms that had placed birds prior to the release of the control area are still required to complete biosecurity audits if they have not already done so.

While there are currently no active control areas on Delmarva, officials warn that the threat of HPAI is still present, especially with migratory season still ongoing. Therefore, maintaining strong and consistent biosecurity practices remains essential for all poultry producers.

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But what exactly does it take for a control area to be released? According to officials, there are several conditions that must be met. These include depopulation of the infected flock and capping of compost piles on the premises. In addition, initial virus elimination must be completed and required surveillance testing for commercial and backyard flocks must be conducted.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds through nasal and eye secretions as well as manure. It can also be spread from flock to flock through contact with infected poultry, equipment, and even clothing and shoes of caretakers. The virus affects various types of poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys, as well as some wild bird species including ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors.

In case of any sick poultry or increased mortality, commercial poultry producers are advised to notify the company they grow for immediately. Backyard flock owners are also urged to report any signs of HPAI in their flock to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810. It is important not to take sick or dead birds to a lab for testing or move them off-site.

For more information on High Path Avian Influenza in Maryland, please visit the Maryland Department of Agriculture's website at https://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/AvianFlu.aspx.

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