New Maryland bird flu cases confirmed with deaths of more than 100 black vultures

Kristian Jaime, Salisbury Daily Times
·3 min read

Harford County is the latest location for a positive case of avian influenza, found in samples taken from black vultures initially found sick and dead on April 22.

Federal laboratory testing confirmed cases of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza following an investigation by the Maryland Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the U.S Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory.

Since the initial detection in Harford County, more than 100 black vultures have died from the disease. A total count cannot be confirmed because wild birds often get sick and die where people cannot see them.

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These detections mark the Delmarva region’s first confirmation of HPAI in wild birds since Feb. 17, when the virus was found through wildlife surveillance in a Canada goose in Kent County, Delaware.

Black vultures are also known to fly long distances, which means infected vultures may die in other locations and transmit the virus to other birds, including poultry.

Poultry producers in the region were encouraged to take precautions with their flocks as the avian flu is known to be carried by wild birds, especially waterfowl, raptors and vultures.

Even with the ongoing detections of HPAI in poultry and wild birds in the United States, continuing testing of people in close contact with infected poultry indicates a low risk to the general public’s health.

This H5N1 virus has not shown an ability to infect and be transmitted between people. Avian influenza does not affect poultry meat or egg products, which remain safe to eat. Properly cooking poultry and eggs to 165 degrees Fahrenheit will kill viruses or bacteria.

Protect against avian flu

The officials have noted ongoing detections in the black vulture population and have suggested the following precautions for all poultry owners:

  • Cover waste. Keep mortality and compost piles covered at all times.

  • Remove standing water adjacent to poultry houses. Grade property to avoid pooling water.

  • Manage ponds and basins on poultry farms. Prune or remove plants from banks of artificial water structures.

  • Secure buildings. Regularly check and repair damaged screens on windows and doors and holes in barn walls.

  • Reduce food sources. Don’t feed wildlife. Remove spilled or uneaten feed immediately and ensure feed storage units are secure and free of holes.

  • Use decoys. Install decoys and scare devices and move them often so wildlife doesn’t get used to them.

Backyard flock owners in Delaware who notice signs of avian influenza are urged to email the Delaware Poultry Health Hotline at poultry.health@delaware.gov or call 302-698-4507 and provide your contact information, size of flock, location, and concerns.

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In Maryland, report any unusual or sudden increases in sick birds to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810. Commercial chicken growers and backyard flock owners can email questions about the outbreak to Birdflu@maryland.gov.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: New Maryland bird flu cases confirmed with deaths of black vultures