DARE COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) — Dare County has its first confirmed positive case of high-path avian influenza, also known as bird flu.
A lab in Raleigh identified the positive sample from a backyard flock in Dare County. The flock has been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.
In January, high-path avian influenza was found in two commercial turkey operations in Sampson County and a layer operation in Hyde County.
“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,” said state veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin. “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 NC Department of Agriculture Veterinary Division at 919-707-3250.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, this type of HPAI virus is considered a low risk to humans but is highly contagious to other birds. The virus is also not considered a food safety threat, and infected birds do not enter the food supply.
If you have questions about migratory birds, hunting, or wild waterfowl found dead on your property, visit the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s website.
