The avian flu is in North Carolina. Here’s what to know, and what to expect
Reports of a highly contagious avian flu strain spreading throughout the country have been alarming for many and have the poultry industry on high alert.
Although cases have been reported in North Carolina and in other states and can create serious issues, there are things that can be done to prevent and control the spread of the virus. And, experts say, the virus poses a relatively low threat to humans.
Here’s what to know about the avian flu, the situation in North Carolina and the potential impacts on humans and grocery store shelves.
What is the avian flu?
Avian influenza, often referred to as the “bird flu,” is “the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“These viruses naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species,” the CDC says.
The strain currently of concern is a “highly pathogenic avian influenza,” or HPAI virus. There are also “low pathogenic avian influenzas,” which tend to cause more mild symptoms or no symptoms.
Bird flu symptoms
There are multiple symptoms birds may exhibit if they’re infected with the avian flu, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, including:
Sudden death
Lack of energy, appetite and coordination
Purple discoloration
Swelling
Diarrhea
Nasal discharge, coughing and sneezing
Reduced egg production and/or abnormal eggs
If you see a sick or dying bird, you should call your local veterinarian, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Division at 919-707-3250 or the N.C. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System at 919-733-3986.
Is the avian flu in North Carolina?
Cases of the HPAI virus have been found in birds in North Carolina, the state Department of Agriculture has said.
The first positive sample in a commercial flock in the state was announced Wednesday, in a turkey operation in Johnston County. The 32,100-bird flock was killed, and other flocks in a 6.2 mile zone are being tested, state officials said in their statement.
State wildlife officials have also said four wild birds have died from the avian flu strain: a red-shouldered hawk in Wake County, a bald eagle in Dare County, a snow goose in Hyde County and a redhead duck in Carteret County.
A total of 144 cases have been detected this year in wild birds in the state as of Thursday, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The state agriculture department has also suspended all poultry shows and public sales.
Can humans get bird flu?
Bird flus “do not normally infect people,” the CDC says.
“No human cases” of the HPAI bird flu virus infection “have ever been detected or reported in the United States.” And only four human cases of the LPAI strain have ever been identified in the U.S., “resulting in mild-to-moderate illness.”
“The detection of these viruses in poultry does not change the risk to the general public’s health, which CDC considers to be low,” the CDC says.
Will the bird flu lead to a chicken shortage in stores?
North Carolina’s poultry industry is valuable, accounting for $4.19 billion in sales in 2020, according to the USDA, meaning a widespread disruption caused by avian flu could impact the local economy and the availability of chicken and turkey in stores.
“The threat of high path avian influenza is statewide. Our poultry population is at high risk,” state veterinarian Mike Martin previously said in a statement.
Still, case reports have been relatively limited, and poultry farmers have previously told the Observer they’re taking extra precautions to keep their flocks healthy.
And the business analysis company toolsgroup says recent reports of chicken shortages are mostly the result of COVID-19 disrupting supply chains.
Charlotte Observer reporters Gavin Off and Payton Guion and News & Observer reporter Adam Wagner contributed to this story.
This story was originally published March 31, 2022 at 5:04 PM.
