The Maryland General Assembly's Environmental and Natural Resources (ENT) Committee convened on January 24, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding high-path avian influenza (HPAI) and its implications for food safety and human health. The meeting featured experts from the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Department of Health, who provided critical insights into the current situation.

The primary focus of the session was on food safety concerning poultry and egg products. Officials reassured the committee that eggs and poultry remain safe for human consumption, emphasizing that the likelihood of infected products entering the market is low. They highlighted the swift identification and destruction of infected flocks to prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers. Additionally, rigorous testing and federal inspection protocols are in place to ensure the safety of these food items.

The discussion also touched on pasteurized milk, which is deemed safe due to the pasteurization process that effectively eliminates harmful pathogens, including the H5N1 virus. However, officials reiterated that raw milk sales for human consumption are illegal in Maryland, citing significant health risks associated with its consumption.

On the human health front, the committee was informed of 67 reported cases of H5N1 in the U.S., including one fatality. Experts noted that while the risk to human health remains low, there is ongoing concern about potential transmission and mutations of the virus. Symptoms of H5N1 infection in humans are similar to those of the flu, and biosecurity measures are in place to monitor and protect farm workers.

The meeting concluded with a brief overview of the economic impact of HPAI on Maryland's poultry industry, which includes over 500 commercial farms and 8,000 registered backyard flocks. The economic repercussions of the virus can be significant, with losses incurred from production cycles that are disrupted due to outbreaks.

Overall, the ENT Committee's session underscored the importance of maintaining food safety and public health amid the ongoing challenges posed by avian influenza, while also addressing the economic implications for Maryland's poultry sector.