Bird Flu Surge on US East Coast: Poultry Producers Face Mounting Challenges

Bird Flu Update: US Poultry Hits Hard as Cases Surge in East Coast States

In the latest developments on highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, Maryland confirmed a presumptive positive H5 case on a commercial broiler farm in Wicomico County on February 14, according to the Maryland Department of Agriculture. This marks the second outbreak in the state this year, with affected birds quarantined and depopulated to curb spread. Officials stress the low risk to the public but urge strict biosecurity like disinfecting equipment and limiting farm visitors.

Pennsylvania is ramping up its response amid a spike, with Governor Josh Shapiro announcing extra personnel, expanded testing at PADLS labs—which processed 8,000 tests on 80,000 birds in recent weeks—and USDA support. Since 2022, the state has lost over 14.3 million birds, half this year alone, Shapiro's office reports. Producers are advised to monitor flocks and report illnesses immediately.

New Jersey faces growing concerns after over 1,100 dead or sick wild birds, mostly Canadian geese, reported February 14-16, per the Department of Environmental Protection. Thousands of geese deaths prompted park closures in Gloucester and Monmouth counties, with confirmations across eight counties since August 2025, WHYY News reports. No human cases confirmed, but officials warn against touching dead birds.

Nationally, CDC's Week 5 flu report through February 7 shows no new H5 human infections, with overall influenza positivity at 18.6% and rising hospitalizations at 67 per 100,000—second highest since 2010-11. Poultry remains safe if cooked properly.

In California, experts note the virus lingers in cooler weather, driving waterfowl near backyard flocks, UCANR warns on February 17.

Health officials worldwide emphasize vigilance as wild bird migration fuels outbreaks.

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