A commercial turkey flock in Sampson County, North Carolina, tested positive for high path avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, according to the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
This is the second case of bird flu found in commercial poultry in North Carolina this year, the first being in Hyde County, according to the NCDA&CS.
North Carolina has had 12 commercial flocks and eight backyard flocks affected with the bird flu, according to state data.
“Since 2022, HPAI has impacted more than 141 million birds across all 50 states,” State Veterinarian Mike Martin said.
“With HPAI being pervasive in some wild bird populations and the recent cases around the country, all flock owners, commercial and backyard, should remain vigilant with their biosecurity,” he said.
The state Department of Agriculture said there are no concerns with food safety and the risk for humans to catch the virus is low. The department is actively monitoring the virus and is prepared to support poultry owners through outbreaks.
Some cases of bird flu cause only mild illness in birds; however, the virus can mutate and be potentially fatal. The virus can be spread through coughing, sneezing and feces, according to state agriculture officials. It can also be carried from flock to flock by clothing or other equipment.
The department said warning signs in poultry and other birds could include reduced energy, lower egg production, swelling of the head or eyelids, purple discoloration of the wattles or legs, difficulty breathing and greenish diarrhea.
If you notice your birds are sick or dying, report it right away to your local veterinarian, the state veterinarian or the United States Department of Agriculture. State officials say reporting a possible outbreak quickly is the most important action someone can take to keep the virus from spreading.