Following the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on a poultry farm, the Delaware Department of Agriculture issued a control order requiring specific handling, transport, and storage of poultry litter for the entire state. The control order was to be in effect for 30 days and with the option to renew based upon the status of HPAI in the state.
Under the control order, farms must have poultry litter in a covered manure storage structure or stockpiled and covered to reduce access to wildlife. Anyone moving poultry litter off a farm to stockpile it in a field or at another location must clean and disinfect any conveyances on and off the farm to reduce the risk of spreading HPAI. Additionally, all stockpiled poultry litter in the field must be covered so wild birds and other animals cannot gain access.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture also issued a control statement regarding the handling, transport, and storage of poultry litter due to that positive case of HPAI in poultry in neighboring Delaware.
This article appeared in the February 2025 issue of Journal of Nutrient Management on page 5. Not a subscriber? Click to get the print magazine.
