#Maine - Animal Health Officials Remind Owners to Protect Flocks from #HPAI
December 3, 2025 — "Maine Animal Health officials with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry are reminding commercial and backyard bird owners to take precautions to protect their flocks following the confirmation of Highly Pathogenic #AvianInfluenza (HPAI – #H5 strain) in one a non-commercial backyard flock in #PenobscotCounty, Maine.
"HPAI is a highly contagious avian influenza virus that spreads easily between birds through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated surfaces or equipment, and exposure to secretions from wild birds. The virus can also be carried on clothing, footwear, and tools used in bird care.
"While Maine’s commercial poultry operations remain unaffected, continued vigilance is essential to prevent further transmission to domestic birds.
Practical Measures to Protect Your Flock
"DACF recommends the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure:
- Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds by keeping birds indoors or ensuring outdoor enclosures are fully covered and secure.
- Practice strict biosecurity, including washing hands before and after handling birds, changing clothing and footwear between flocks, and limiting access to bird areas.
- Disinfect boots and gear when moving between coops or bird areas.
- Avoid sharing equipment or supplies between farms or flocks.
- Clean and disinfect tools and equipment between uses.
- Use well or municipal water for drinking water.
- Secure poultry feed to prevent access by wild birds and rodents.
- Limit unnecessary visits to other farms or locations with birds.
- Monitor flock health regularly and become familiar with HPAI warning signs.
Learn More and Report Concerns
For current Maine HPAI updates, FAQs, and prevention resources, visit:
maine.gov/dacf/hpai
To report sick poultry or unusual domestic bird deaths, call USDA's toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593.
To report a dead or unusual-acting wild bird, contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife: 207-287-8000 (business hours), 800-452-4664 (after hours, evenings, and weekends)."
FMI:
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ahw/animal_health/hpai/
#HPAINews #BirdFlu #AvianInfluenza #H1N5 #BirdFluNews #BirdFluIsntOver #AnimalHealth #BackyardFlocks
