A Dare County resident was forced to euthanize their backyard chickens after they tested positive for bird flu, according to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The state agency has warned that wild birds carrying the H5N1 virus, also known as bird flu, can infect domesticated birds.
While the risk of transmission to humans is considered low, the virus is highly contagious among other birds and poses no food safety threat. Dr. Mike Martin, state veterinarian, emphasized the importance of strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
In recent months, several cases of bird flu have been detected in commercial and backyard flocks across North Carolina. A great horned owl tested positive for the virus in Wake County in February, while two commercial turkey operations and a layer operation in Sampson and Hyde counties were also affected.
The surge in bird flu cases has led to a significant increase in egg prices, with over 166 million birds slaughtered nationwide to limit the spread of the virus. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture advises backyard flock owners to report any unusual mortality rates to their local veterinarian or the state’s veterinary division immediately.
Source: https://www.wral.com/news/local/dare-county-first-bird-flu-case-backyard-flock-march-2025