A backyard flock in Rutherford County, North Carolina, has tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI), according to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh. This marks the first confirmed case of HPAI in Rutherford County.
Over the past 30 days, three backyard flocks have tested positive for HPAI in North Carolina, with additional cases reported in Guilford and Union counties.
“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.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control states that this strain of HPAI poses a low risk to humans but spreads easily among birds, including both commercial and backyard poultry. The virus does not threaten food safety as infected birds are kept out of the food supply.
More information about biosecurity measures and recognizing signs of HPAI can be found on the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services website at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/veterinary/AvianInfluenza. For questions regarding migratory birds or dead wild waterfowl on private property, residents are directed to visit the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s website at www.ncwildlife.org.
