Following positive confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a commercial layer operation last week, NCDA&CS and the State Vet urges poultry farmers to remain vigilant with biosecurity measures. This marks the first case of HPAI in commercial poultry since February 2024.
- Last week, our Veterinary Division received positive confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial layer operation in Hyde County.
- This is the first case of HPAI in commercial poultry in North Carolina since February 2024.
- Prior to this case, North Carolina has had 11 affected commercial flocks and eight backyard flocks.
- We know HPAI is in the wild bird population and that the threat to commercial and backyard birds increases as wild birds migrate.
- And, the threat is very real here and across the U.S.
- Since 2022, HPAI has impacted more than 130 million birds across all 50 states.
- Our best advice to poultry farmers and owners is to be extra vigilant with their biosecurity efforts to keep their flock away from wild birds.
- Other measures include:
- Keeping visitors to a minimum
- Washing hands before and after coming in contact with live poultry
- Providing disposable boot covers or disinfectant footbaths for anyone who is comes in contact with your flock.
- Changing clothes before entering poultry areas and before exiting the property.
- Cleaning and disinfecting tools or equipment before moving them to a new poultry facility.
- Also, watch your birds closely for any signs of sickness. Some of the signs include:
- reduced energy,
- decreased appetite,
- lower egg production or soft or misshapen eggs,
- swelling of the head, eyelids, comb and wattles;
- difficulty breathing, runny nose or sneezing,
- twisting of the head and neck, stumbling, falling down and tremors.
- If your birds are sick or dying, report it right away to your local veterinarian, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division, 919-707-3250, or the N.C. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System 919-733-3986.
- It is important to note that USDA and FDA say consumers can be confident in the safety of eggs and the food supply. And, the CDC says the current risk to the public remains low.
- According to the CDC, avian influenza cannot be transmitted through safely handled and thoroughly cooked eggs or poultry.
- Our Veterinary Division is working with the industry and remains on top of this latest outbreak.