Commercial Poultry | University of Maryland Extension

Updated: April 2, 2025

Online Labor Course Available for Agricultural Employers to Better Understand Adding Benefits and Legal Requirements

The University of Maryland and the University of Delaware have released an online course for agricultural operations in Delaware and Maryland. The Hiring and Retaining Farm Employees – What you Need to Know and Do course is now available through the University of Maryland’s Enterprise Learning Management System – Canvas.

Updated: April 2, 2025

Avian Influenza Alert: How to Reduce Wild Bird Risks on Poultry Farms

As migratory birds traverse North America twice a year traveling south in late summer through fall and returning north in late winter through spring, they pose a significant risk of introducing and spreading avian influenza (bird flu).

Updated: March 31, 2025

Broiler Production Management for Potential and Existing Growers (EB-431)

Authors: Jennifer L. Rhodes - Jonathan Moyle

Broiler production is the largest agricultural revenue generator in Maryland. A broiler is a chicken produced specifically for meat production. Broiler production includes small fryer- to large roaster-type chickens. Approximately 35 percent of cash farm income in Maryland was from broilers in 2016. Maryland ranked eighth nationally in the number of meat chickens produced, and tenth in the number of pounds of meat chickens.

Updated: January 15, 2025

Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

aMPV is a highly contagious respiratory disease affecting turkeys and chickens. It causes significant economic losses due to reduced egg production, increased mortality rates, and decreased performance in infected flocks.

Updated: January 15, 2025

UMD Extension Invites Statewide Community to Shape its Plan for the Future

The University of Maryland Extension (UME) is embarking on a comprehensive process to develop its next roadmap for the future, aimed at guiding its work and impact over the coming years.

Updated: November 13, 2024

Biosecurity Measures to Minimize HPAI Within Poultry Populations

This article offers a deeper biosecurity overview, risk factors of HPAI in Commercial Broiler Flocks, general biosecurity measures against HPAI, addresses the risk of HPAI in free-range poultry flock, and important biosecurity links.

Updated: September 24, 2024

Commercial Poultry News - October 2024

In this issue: Commercial Poultry Growers' Meeting October 1, 2024 - Denton; Updated Landowner-Oriented Agricultural Law Online Modules Available to Address Common Concerns; Listening Sessions Scheduled to Seek Public Input on Next Statewide Animal Feeding Operations Permit; UMES 4-H STEM Hosts Youth Broiler Chicken Summer Project; USDA: Notice to Beneficiaries and Protective Beneficiaries; Coming Events

Updated: September 24, 2024

Listening Sessions Scheduled to Seek Public Input on Next Statewide Animal Feeding Operations Permit

Sessions set for Eastern Shore, Western Maryland to hear ideas from the community on permit renewal to be issued next year

Updated: August 12, 2024

Understanding Salmonella; Its Presence and Control in Live Poultry (FS-1137)

Authors: Ashlyn Snyder - Dr. Shawna Weimer

The purpose of this extension bulletin is to provide an understanding of what Salmonella is, how it is picked up by birds, and what control strategies can be implemented to reduce its survival and transmission in poultry flocks. Authors: Ashlyn Snyder and Shawna Weimer; Title: Understanding Salmonella; Its Presence and Control in Live Poultry (FS-1137).

Updated: June 25, 2024

Commercial Poultry News - July 2024

1. Risk of Avian Influenza Transmission in Broiler Supply Chain; 4. Summer Heat Stress Management for Delmarva Broiler Chicken Growers; 5. New MSU Research to Explore H5N1 in Dairy Cattle; 7. Outstanding Chicken Growers Honored at 2024 DCA Booster Banquet; 8. State Appellate Court Overturns Circuit Court's Right-to-Farm Decision; 9. Celebrating Dr. Nathaniel Tablante; 10. IPM Mtg. Postponement; September GLB; HPAI Direct Website; It's Summer!