Home / Environment / Avian Flu Shuts Down Conowingo Dam Park Trails
Avian Flu Shuts Down Conowingo Dam Park Trails
7 May
Summary
- Two trails near Fisherman's Park have been closed indefinitely.
- Black vultures tested positive for avian flu, prompting the closure.
- Visitors are advised to avoid sick or dead birds and clean their shoes.
Trails near Fisherman's Park at the Conowingo Dam are now indefinitely closed as a result of an avian flu outbreak. Constellation Energy, the operator of the dam, announced that the Wildflower trailhead and the Mason-Dixon trail are affected. This action was taken after several black vultures tested positive for the highly contagious avian flu virus.
The closure aims to prevent the spread of the disease by keeping visitors a safe distance from potentially infected dead birds. This marks the second time these trails have been closed for this reason, with a similar closure occurring in March 2025. Last year, the avian flu was responsible for the deaths of millions of birds.
As of April 2026, the USDA has reported 220 confirmed wild bird deaths nationwide, with ten of these cases occurring in Maryland. Visitors have expressed concern for the well-being of local wildlife, including eagles and herons. The public is advised to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and to clean footwear after visiting affected areas to help slow the spread of the flu. Those who encounter sick or dead birds are asked to contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
