RALEIGH, N.C. — Highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to spread as a backyard flock in Rutherford County, N.C, tested positive for the virus. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab identified the positive sample, the department said in a release.
Although this is the first case in Rutherford County, it is the third case in backyard flocks in the state in the last 30 days. There have been positive cases in Guilford and Union counties, the department added.
“HPAI has been found in wild birds throughout the state, so reports of positive backyard flocks will likely happen on occasion,” Dr. Mike Martin, N.C. state veterinarian, said. “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.”
This strain of HPAI is still considered low risk to humans according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but highly contagious to other birds. There is no food safety threat associated with this virus and infected birds do not enter the food supply.
On Oct. 17, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reported that for the previous 30 days there have been 26 commercial flocks and 21 backyard flocks affected by HPAI. Commercial flocks include 15 in Minnesota and 4 in Utah. These combined confirmations totaled 6.33 million affected birds.
For more information on bird flu, visit APHIS at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza.
