North Carolina agriculture officials said Wednesday that nearly 9,500 turkeys at a Wayne County breeder operation have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, marking the state’s first commercial poultry case since January. State Veterinarian Mike Martin told WNCN that detections of H5 bird flu have risen nationwide in recent months, driven by wild bird transmission and migratory patterns. He urged commercial growers and backyard flock owners to remain vigilant for symptoms as the virus continues to circulate widely in wildlife. Agriculture officials emphasized the discovery is not expected to affect Thanksgiving turkey supplies and does not pose a risk to public health. The virus is highly contagious among birds but considered low-risk to humans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infected animals do not enter the food supply. Under federal HPAI protocols, the state will test additional flocks within a 10-kilometer control zone in coordination with industry and USDA partners.
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