Bird Health

Maryland’s agricultural officials are taking their fight against bird flu to festival grounds across the state.

The state Department of Agriculture announced Monday that any poultry, whether from the state or elsewhere, must be tested for the flu at least 10 days before entry in any Maryland fair or show. The only exception are birds that originate in a National Poultry Improvement Plan clean or monitored flock.

In addition, all waterfowl are banned from entry.

The current strain of H5N2 avian influenza isn’t suspected of posing a threat to humans. The Midwest-centered outbreak has spread to more than 30 million poultry since last December.

It has not been detected in Maryland, Delaware or Virginia

Source:udel.edu