BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is expanding its efforts to collect and dispose of dead wild birds found across the state due to concerns over the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.

The move comes after the virus was detected in seven dead snow geese found in Worcester County and Dorchester County earlier this month, and in several Eastern Shore poultry farms.

DNR has expanded its long-term contract with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to provide additional wildlife technicians to safely dispose of dead waterfowl, raptors, and other birds that could be carrying the virus. The $30,000 contract expansion will fund the agency’s services through September.

Anyone who spots a sick or dead birds in the wild is advised not to touch them. Instead, contact the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at 1-877-463-6497. USDA Wildlife Services operators are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. People with out-of-state phone numbers should call 410-349-8055. We will return voicemails promptly.

DNR’s $80,000 annual contract with APHIS helps the state handle 30,000 calls about sick, injured, or dead wildlife. Key staff in DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service and Maryland Park Service are also trained and equipped to dispose of dead birds suspected of having HPAI.

The federal agency will direct either their staff or state staff to locations where dead or sick birds are reported, based on availability.

Avian influenza is a respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds. Its presence is considered endemic throughout Maryland’s wild bird populations, especially waterfowl and raptors.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is urging poultry farm and backyard flock owners to follow strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of HPAI, including restricting access to poultry, providing footbaths and disinfectant stations for anyone entering or leaving poultry areas, covering and securing feed and carcasses, and reporting any unusual bird deaths or sudden increases in sick birds to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5810.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo: Snow geese on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, photo by Anthony Burrows, Maryland DNR.