North Carolina’s poultry industry has been declared free of High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) by the World Organization for Animal Health, a status change that allows for the resumption of exports and international trade in poultry products.
Broilers, which are chickens raised for meat, represent the leading agricultural commodity in North Carolina, bringing in over $5.6 billion in cash receipts annually. The state raises more than 941 million broilers each year, ranking first nationwide in poultry and egg cash receipts. Additionally, North Carolina is the second-largest turkey-producing state in the U.S., with more than 29 million turkeys raised each year. In 2024, North Carolina exported poultry and poultry products valued at $347.4 million.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler commented on the designation, stating, “This designated status change is a welcome one from the standpoint of trade, but it is important to note that the virus causing HPAI is still present within wild bird populations in our state. Poultry owners are encouraged to continue to follow strict biosecurity measures and monitor their flocks for signs of illness. Steps should be taken to minimize exposure to wild birds as much as possible.”
Poultry owners are advised to report any flocks with high mortality rates to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division by calling 919-707-3250 or through the N.C. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System at 919-733-3986.
For further details regarding High Path Avian Influenza, information is available online at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/veterinary/AvianInfluenza.
