North Carolina has been recognized as High Path Avian Influenza-free by the World Organization for Animal Health. This achievement allows the state to restart its global trade for poultry products.
Poultry is a key agricultural sector in North Carolina. Broilers, or chickens raised for meat, lead the state’s agricultural revenues, totaling over $5.6 billion annually. Each year, more than 941 million broilers are raised in the state. Additionally, North Carolina ranks first nationally in cash receipts for poultry and eggs and is the second-largest producer of turkeys in the United States, with over 29 million turkeys raised annually. In 2024, the state exported $347.4 million in poultry and poultry products.
“This designated status change is a welcome one from the standpoint of trade,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. He noted, however, “but it is important to note that the virus causing HPAI is still present within wild bird populations in our state. Poultry owners are encouraged to continue to follow strict biosecurity measures and monitor their flocks for signs of illness. Steps should be taken to minimize exposure to wild birds as much as possible.”
Poultry owners are advised to report flocks experiencing high mortality to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division at 919-707-3250 or the N.C. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System at 919-733-3986.
Further information about High Path Avian Influenza can be found online at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/veterinary/AvianInfluenza.
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