Frequently Asked Questions About Poultry Registration
Q. What is poultry premises registration?
A. Premises registration is an effort to establish a complete record of all locations in Maryland where poultry are raised, held, or boarded. The basic contact information you provide ensures that you will be notified quickly when a disease event might put your premises and your animals at risk.
Q. Why should I register my premises?
A. In an animal health emergency, no one can help you protect your animals if they don't know you are there. The basic contact information provided during premises registration opens the lines of communication between producers and animal health officials. Registering your premises means that you will be alerted quickly when there is a potential disease threat to your animals. You then have the information and assistance you need to take action and protect your animals and your investment.
Q. What is a premises?
A. In general, a premises is a location where poultry are raised, held, or boarded. Examples would include farms, ranches, markets, exhibitions, and slaughtering facilities.
Q. Am I required by law to register my premises?
A. In Maryland, any premises where poultry are maintained must be registered with the Maryland Department of Agriculture according to Agric. Art., Section § 3-804.
Q. How do I register my premises?
A. You may register your premises by completing the Maryland Poultry Premises Registration Form and emailing it to animalhealth.mda@maryland.gov, or by mailing it to 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway Annapolis MD 21401. You may also fax the form to the MDA Animal Health Program at 410-841-5999.
Q. What information do I have to provide to register my premises?
A. When registering your premises, you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Name of the premises
- Point of contact
- Street address/city/state/zip code
- Contact phone number
- Operation type (production unit, market, exhibition, slaughter plant, etc.)
- Alternative phone number(s)
