Old North News

A commercial turkey farm in Sampson County, North Carolina, has tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI). The initial identification was made by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh and later confirmed by the USDA APHIS National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames, Iowa.

This marks the second instance of HPAI affecting commercial poultry in North Carolina this year. Earlier, a case was reported at a commercial layer operation in Hyde County. To date, North Carolina has recorded 12 affected commercial flocks and eight backyard flocks.

"Since 2022, HPAI has impacted more than 141 million birds across all 50 states," stated State Veterinarian Mike Martin. He emphasized the importance of vigilance among flock owners: "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. 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, 919-707-3250, or the N.C. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System 919-733-3986."

Further details on HPAI and a list of all North Carolina cases since 2022 can be found online at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/veterinary/AvianInfluenza.