HPAI or Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza or bird flu has now been found in the poultry population in North Carolina. Today a poultry farm in Johnston County euthanized 32,000 turkeys as a preventative measure after a sample of the flock tested positive for high path avian influenza. Previously over 100 wild birds in the state tested positive. This specific strain is not known to affect people but is deadly for chickens and turkeys. Backyard, free range and other chickens and turkeys that that are kept outside have a high chance of coming in contact with the migratory birds. On March 14th the NC Department of Agriculture asked owners to keep their chickens and turkeys inside until April 15 to help prevent the spread of this disease. The most common symptoms of the bird flu is lack of energy and appetite. So far this bird flu has been detected in U.S. wild birds in 14 states and in commercial and backyard poultry in 13 states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspective Service. If you suspect HPAI in your flock contact your veterinarian or a state or federal health official.
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