North Raleigh Today

A backyard flock in Dare County has tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI), as confirmed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh. To prevent further spread, the affected flock has been depopulated.

This case marks the first confirmed instance of HPAI in Dare County. Previously, in January, the virus was detected in two commercial turkey operations in Sampson County and a layer operation in Hyde County.

Dr. Mike Martin, state veterinarian, stated: “It is likely that HPAI remains in our resident wild bird population and in migratory waterfowl, so reports of positive backyard flocks will likely happen on occasion.” He advised both commercial and backyard flock owners to adhere to strict biosecurity measures and report any sudden increase in mortality rates to local veterinarians or the N.C. Department of Agriculture Veterinary Division at 919-707-3250.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control considers this type of HPAI virus a low risk to humans but notes its high contagion among birds, including poultry flocks. The virus poses no food safety threat as infected birds do not enter the food supply.

For more information on biosecurity and signs of HPAI, visit https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/veterinary/AvianInfluenza. For inquiries regarding migratory birds or dead wild waterfowl found on property, consult the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s website at www.ncwildlife.org.