The widening U.S. bird flu outbreak has made its way to Maryland, which has counted two cases on commercial poultry farms — one in Caroline County and another in Queen Anne’s County — since the start of the year.

According to a news release, the DNR has increased its contract with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to enhance the disposal of dead birds that might carry Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The contract expansion, amounting to $30,000, will provide additional wildlife technicians in the state through September.