Maryland Farm Remains Under Bird Flu Quarantine as Migratory Season Looms

A single farm's quarantine underscores lingering bird flu concerns as migratory season approaches in Maryland

As of Jan. 7, 2026, one commercial farm in Queen Anne's County remains under quarantine due to avian influenza.

Maryland reported 10 bird flu detections in 2025 across six counties, affecting both commercial and backyard poultry operations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the public health risk remains low due to no sustained human-to-human transmission.

To end quarantines, state protocols require complete depopulation of affected flocks, capping compost piles, virus elimination measures, and successful surveillance testing.

Maryland Department of Agriculture officials stress the importance of maintaining biosecurity practices as migratory bird season begins, which increases the risk of disease spread.

Maryland Department of Agriculture said:

"Currently, there are no active control areas on Delmarva; however, this does not mean the threat of HPAI is not present... Maintaining strong, consistent biosecurity practices remains essential."

Poultry producers are required to report any disease signs to their integrators, while backyard flock owners must not move sick or dead birds off-site to prevent further transmission.

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