ANNAPOLIS, MD – State agriculture officials announced Tuesday they have lifted bird flu restrictions across Caroline County, Maryland, signaling progress in containing the recent outbreak.
The Maryland Department of Agriculture confirmed February 19, 2026, that the control zone previously established in Caroline County has been officially released. This development allows most agricultural operations in the area to return to normal activities.
While the broader restrictions have been removed, the farm where the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was originally detected continues to operate under quarantine protocols. All other agricultural facilities within the former restricted zone may now resume standard operations, provided they don’t fall within any other active control zones established elsewhere in the state.
The control area release represents a significant step forward in Maryland’s efforts to manage and contain the bird flu outbreak that prompted the initial restrictions.
