SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. — Turkeys in a Sampson County flock have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, marking the second commercial operation in North Carolina this month to be affected by the virus, according to reports from the Charlotte Observer.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture announced the positive test results on Tuesday, highlighting the ongoing threat of bird flu, which has been circulating among wild birds and impacting commercial and backyard flocks nationwide. Earlier this month, a 3.3 million-chicken egg-laying operation in Hyde County also tested positive for the virus.
“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,” said Mike Martin, the state veterinarian, in a written statement.
Since 2022, 21 flocks of poultry in North Carolina have tested positive for bird flu. Additionally, a cattle herd in Western North Carolina tested positive for the virus last spring. Nationwide, the virus has impacted 66 commercial flocks and 41 backyard flocks over the past 30 days, affecting 17.8 million birds.
While there have been no reported cases of bird flu in humans in North Carolina, there have been 67 cases nationwide, including one death. State agriculture officials continue to urge vigilance and biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
VIDEO: Gaston County confirms first case of rabies
©2025 Cox Media Group