All Maryland Avian Influenza Test Results Remain Negative
Low Pathogenicity Confirmed by NVSL

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 26, 2004) – The University of Delaware Lasher Laboratory reported that through March 24, all testing of poultry farms within the six-mile zone around the single avian influenza-positive farm near Pocomoke City has been negative. These AI-negative test results represent the second week of weekly re-testing of all farms within the six-mile zone. The negative test results indicate that there is no avian influenza present in the 181 poultry houses on 71 farms within the six-mile zone. Re-sampling and testing on these farms will begin again on Monday, March 29 per the surveillance protocol developed by the Delmarva Emergency Poultry Disease Task Force.

On March 19, NVSL completed the pathogenicity test for the Maryland H7N2 isolate and confirmed that it is a low pathogenic strain.

As of March 24, a total of 4,247 houses representing 1,739 farms have been tested for evidence of avian influenza on the Delmarva Peninsula. Since testing began on February 6, 4,242 houses representing 1,736 farms have tested negative for avian influenza.

On March 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa confirmed that the strain of virus found in the flock near Pocomoke City, Md. as H7N2, which has not been associated with serious human illness. There is a slight molecular difference between this strain and the strain detected in February in Delaware. USDA is still conducting its investigation into the source of the Maryland case and there is no known connection between the Delaware and Maryland cases. There will be no information on the source of the virus until USDA completes its investigation.

Avian influenza is an airborne respiratory virus that spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions as well as manure. It can spread rapidly from flock to flock and can be carried across great distances by contaminated vehicles, equipment, and clothing, for example. The H7 strain has not been associated with serious human illness. Further information about avian influenza can be found at http://denver.state.de.us/dda/dda.nsf, www.aphis.usda.gov and www.mda.state.md.us.

# # #The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), through its programs and services, preserves and protects agricultural resources and the environment, promotes profitable agriculture and consumer confidence, and enhances the quality of life for all Marylanders. Established in 1973, the MDA is celebrating over 30 years of service to the citizens of Maryland.