Trails Closed Due To Detection Of Avian Flu

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — The avian flu has prompted officials to close certain trails at a local park.

Constellation Energy, which operates the Conowingo Dam, announced the indefinite closure of two trails near Fisherman's Park - the Wildflower trailhead and the Mason-Dixon trail, after several black vultures tested positive for the avian flu.

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Company officials said the trail closures are needed to keep people away from the area where the birds died to help prevent the disease's spread.

Constellation Energy had to close these same trails in March 2025 for the same reason. Last year, millions of birds were killed due to a rampant spread of the flu.

According to the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Avian influenza is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds through nasal and eye secretions and manure. The virus can be spread from flock to flock, including flocks of wild birds, through contact with infected poultry, equipment, and the clothing and shoes of caretakers. This virus affects poultry, like chickens, ducks and turkeys, and some wild bird species, such as ducks, geese, shorebirds and raptors.