Port of Baltimore Emergency Business Assistance Program
April 8, 2024Rural Energy for America Program Application Assistance
May 6, 2024HPAI and Dairy Herds Resources
On April 24, 2024, the USDA issued a Federal order requiring testing for and reporting of
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in livestock
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspecition Service (APHIS) has confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian
Influenza in dairy herds in Idaho, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Michigan, South Dakota, North Carolina and Ohio. A single case of HPAI in a human has been confirmed in Texas, however, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assessed the public risk as low.
What’s Being Done in Maryland:
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is actively working with state and federal partners to monitor and respond to the situation. Farms and individuals involved in animal farming are encouraged to stay alert, become familar with the signs of HPAI in poultry and cattle and take measures to protect their flocks and herds.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is actively working with state and federal partners to monitor and respond to the situation. Farms and individuals involved in animal farming are encouraged to stay alert, become familar with the signs of HPAI in poultry and cattle and take measures to protect their flocks and herds.
On April 10, 2024 MDA Secretary Kevin Atticks signed an order restricting the movement of dairy cattle into Maryland from states with confirmed cases of HPAI in dairy herds.
Milk Safety:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has assured consumers that the milk supply is safe. All milk products undergo pasteurization before reaching the market, and dairies are required to send only milk from healthy animals for human consumption. The FDA strongly recommends heat treatment of milk from cows showing signs of illness or exposed to avian influenza before feeding it to calves.
Tips for Poultry and Livestock Owners:
Poultry and livestock owners are encouraged to practice biosecurity daily to protect their animals, watch for signs of illness, and report any suspected cases to the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Tips for Poultry and Livestock Owners:
Poultry and livestock owners are encouraged to practice biosecurity daily to protect their animals, watch for signs of illness, and report any suspected cases to the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is it safe to drink milk during the avian influenza outbreak? YES. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration assures the safety of the milk supply through pasteurization and strict regulations.
2. How can I protect my poultry and livestock from avian influenza? You can safeguard your animals by practicing biosecurity, staying alert for signs of illness, and reporting any suspected cases to the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
For more information on potential human health impacts, please visit the Maryland Department of Health’s FAQ page.
