High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) Update 1.27.23

— Written By
en Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

chickens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JAN. 26, 2023

CONTACT: Heather Overton, assistant director
NCDA&CS Public Affairs Division
919-707-3006; heather.overton@ncagr.gov

Rowan County has a positive case of HPAI

RALEIGH –Rowan County has an emu that tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI). The positive sample was identified by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh.

This is the first confirmed positive in Rowan County. In late spring and early summer, HPAI was found at nine poultry farms in Johnston and Wayne counties, and recently HPAI was found in a single backyard flock in Wake County, a single backyard flock in Durham County, a single backyard flock in Carteret County and two flocks in Union County.

“We have had evidence that the HPAI virus has remained in our resident wild bird populations and in migratory waterfowl, so continued reports of positive domesticated birds are unfortunate, but not surprising,” said State Veterinarian Mike Martin.

This type of HPAI virus is considered a low risk to people according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, but is highly contagious to other birds, including commercial and backyard flocks of poultry. The virus is also not considered a food safety threat and infected birds do not enter the food supply.

“The threat of high path avian influenza is nationwide and likely will remain through the winter and spring,” Martin said. “Commercial operations and backyard flock owners should continue to follow strict biosecurity measures including keeping birds enclosed without access to wild birds or other domestic flocks when possible.”

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 at 919-707-3250, or the N.C. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System at 919-733-3986.

Warning signs of HPAI include:

•           Reduced energy, decreased appetite, and/or decreased activity

•           Lower egg production and/or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs

•           Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb and wattles

•           Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb and legs

•           Difficulty breathing, runny nares (nose), and/or sneezing

•           Twisting of the head and neck, stumbling, falling down, tremors and/or circling

•           Greenish diarrhea

More information on biosecurity and the signs of HPAI can be found at NCDA&CS Avian Flu. If you have questions about migratory birds, hunting or wild waterfowl found dead on your property, visit the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s website.

Sound biosecurity practices are critical during this time. We must all be diligent to protect NC’s poultry flocks, both large and small. Do your part and know the facts. See our HPAI Educational Resources Page for more information.
 
If you believe you’ve encountered a wild bird with HPAI or suspect that your own flock is infected, please reach out to NCDA&CS at (919) 707-3250 or call the USDA Hotline at 1-866-536-7593.