Avian Influenza in Montgomery County, Maryland

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Montgomery County, raising serious public health and agricultural concerns. Residents are strongly encouraged to adhere to the guidance provided by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) regarding the health and safety of domestic birds. For comprehensive information and resources, please click here.

If residents suspect that a poultry or domestic bird is showing signs of illness, or if they encounter deceased domestic birds, it is crucial to contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture at 410-841-5810 immediately for further assistance and potential investigation.

In the case of wild birds, especially raptors (such as hawks and owls) and waterfowl (such as ducks and geese) that appear to be ill or are found deceased under abnormal or concerning circumstances, residents should promptly reach out to the Department of Natural Resources at 877-463-6497. This helps ensure that appropriate measures can be taken to investigate potential health threats to wildlife.

Residents are strongly encouraged to follow the guidance provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources regarding the health and safety of wildlife. For comprehensive information and resources, please visit the Maryland DNR's Avian Flu webpage.

OAS will not be taking in new poultry or waterfowl to prevent the spread of this disease and protect our current animal population. Stray and newly surrendered chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, etc will be humanely euthanized as a precaution. Our door doves and pigeons will also be euthanized. We are still accepting household pet bird species such as parrots, parakeets, canaries, and cockatiels.

At this time, Second Chance Wildlife Center will not be taking the following birds from the Rio area of Gaithersburg (zip codes 20878, 20877, and 20850): All waterfowl, all shorebirds, eagles and vultures, any other raptor species IF they are symptomatic, crows, and wild turkeys.

MCASAC is always here as a resource for you, your neighbors, and the animals in Montgomery County. Please do not hesitate to contact MCASAC for more information.