MDA Animal Health

10/19/2026

This week, we’re highlighting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and sharing some facts about the virus, Maryland poultry and how good biosecurity can help protect animal health.

Did you know?

🐔 In 2025, Maryland Processed 4.7 billion pounds of chickens. The wholesale value of chicken produced was $4.6 billion.

🐔 The Eastern Shore is home to a large part of Maryland’s poultry industry. The Delmarva has 4,814 chicken houses on independently owned farms.

🐄HPAI doesn't only affect domestic poultry. The virus can infect wild birds and has also been detected in other animal species, including dairy cattle.

🦆Wild birds can play an important role in the spread of avian influenza viruses. This is one reason keeping poultry away from wild birds and practicing good biosecurity is so important.

🚫The poultry industry is the backbone of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and keeping our farms safe takes all of us. Simple biosecurity steps go a long way!

10/16/2026

As colder weather approaches, it’s important to keep equine respiratory diseases on your radar!

Equine influenza spreads quickly between horses. While rarely fatal, it is highly contagious and can spread throughout a barn before signs of illness are noticed.

Help protect your herd by practicing good biosecurity, isolating new or sick horses, and contacting your veterinarian if you notice signs of illness.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and keep your horses healthy this season!

10/16/2026

Exciting News!

We want you to be the first to know when applications will be accepted for the inaugural class of our new School of Veterinary Medicine coming in the summer of 2027.

This unique three-year DVM program offers a rigorous, year-round curriculum featuring simulation-based learning, clinical skills training, and hands-on exposure to various animal species.

Don't miss the opportunity for the career of your dreams. Watch the School of Veterinary Medicine's website for the official opening date for application submissions!

Read more about it here 📖: https://www.umes.edu/.../umes-advances-towards-historic.../ See less

10/13/2026

Exciting career opportunity on Maryland’s Eastern Shore!

Help make a difference in protecting Maryland’s animal health! We’re hiring an Administrative Specialist I (Veterinary Laboratory Operations Coordinator) to join our team in Salisbury, MD.

Interested in being part of the work that supports Maryland’s poultry and livestock industries? Apply today!

Visit https://www.jobapscloud.com/MD and filter to Maryland Department of Agriculture to find our job openings.

10/09/2026

This waterfowl season... Bag Birds... not HPAI!

As we head into the heavy migratory and hunting season, we urge hunters to take extra precautions, especially if you have poultry or other birds at home. Wild birds can carry and spread highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), even when they appear healthy.

Simple biosecurity steps can help reduce the risk of bringing HPAI home and protect your flock.

10/07/2026

As we move into fall, seasonal changes, animal movement, and bird migration can influence the risk of certain animal diseases.

Throughout October, MDA's Animal Health Program will highlight important diseases affecting livestock, equine, and poultry in Maryland.

We’re kicking off the series with EHV/EHM in equine, focusing on what it is and how it spreads.

Follow along throughout the month to learn more about animal diseases, disease prevention, and biosecurity practices.

09/25/2026

Notice: Full Electronic CVI Transition for 2027

Please be advised that the Maryland Department of Agriculture will complete its full transition to electronic Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (eCVIs) for 2027. Paper CVIs will no longer be available for purchase.

We encourage all veterinarians to establish accounts with one of the approved electronic providers: GlobalVetLink, Vet-Sentry, or USDA’s VSPS.

Questions? Visit mda.maryland.gov to contact our office.

09/17/2026

Proud to highlight this incredible milestone: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is establishing Maryland’s first standalone School of Veterinary Medicine and the nation’s first public HBCU vet school! A huge step forward for veterinary education!

Maryland's First School of Veterinary Medicine Dedicated to providing high-quality veterinary training, advancing research, and serving communities – p ...

09/15/2026

The 2026 Maryland State Fair is officially in the books! 🎉

Our Animal Health team had a great time connecting with fairgoers and teaching all things animal health. We had the opportunity to reach so many people throughout the fair, answer questions, share what we do, and talk about the many different paths a career in veterinary medicine can take.

One of the best parts was meeting so many inspiring future veterinarians and animal health professionals who are excited about making a difference in the field.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, asked questions, and shared in our love for animal health. We had a great time and can’t wait to see you next year!

09/04/2026

Our Animal Health team is having a great time at the Maryland State Fair!

Stop by our booth in U-Learn to meet the team and learn all about veterinary science, animal health, and what it takes to keep Maryland’s animals healthy.

We hope to see you at the fair!