North Carolina confirms 9th case of HPAI since October

Source: N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

RALEIGH, NC – A backyard flock in Franklin County, North Carolina has tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI). The positive sample was identified by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh.

Avian influenza (AI), often called bird flu, is a viral infection that affects domestic poultry—especially chickens, turkeys, and gamebirds. It is carried naturally by wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, which often show no symptoms but shed the virus into the environment. Image credit - USDA

This is the first confirmed positive in Franklin County and the ninth confirmed positive in North Carolina since Oct. 1. A list of domestic bird cases of HPAI in North Carolina is online at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/veterinary/AvianInfluenza.

“HPAI has been found in wild birds throughout the state so reports of positive backyard flocks will likely happen on occasion,” said Dr. Mike Martin, state veterinarian. “I encourage our commercial and backyard flock owners to continue to follow strict biosecurity measures and if your flock is experiencing a sudden higher-than-normal mortality rate, report it right away to your local veterinarian or to the NCDA&CS’ Veterinary Division at 919-707-3250.”

This type of HPAI virus is considered a low risk to people according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, but is highly contagious to other birds, including commercial and backyard flocks of poultry. The virus is also not considered a food safety threat.

More information on biosecurity and the signs of HPAI can be found at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/veterinary/AvianInfluenza.

If you have questions about migratory birds, hunting, or wild waterfowl found dead on your property, visit the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s website at www.ncwildlife.org.