Backyard flock in Franklin County tests positive for HPAI
RALEIGH – A backyard flock in Franklin County has tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI). The positive sample was identified by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh.This is the first confirmed positive in Franklin County and the ninth confirmed positive in North Carolina since Oct. 1. A list of domestic bird cases of HPAI in North Carolina may be located at NCDA&CS Poultry Health Programs
“HPAI has been found in wild birds throughout the state so reports of positive backyard flocks will likely happen on occasion,” said Dr. Mike Martin, state veterinarian. “I encourage our commercial and backyard flock owners to continue to follow strict biosecurity measures and if your flock is experiencing a sudden higher-than-normal mortality rate, report it right away to your local veterinarian or to the NCDA&CS’ Veterinary Division at 919-707-3250.”
This type of HPAI virus is considered a low risk to people according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, but is highly contagious to other birds, including commercial and backyard flocks of poultry. The virus is also not considered a food safety threat and infected birds do not enter the food supply.
More information on biosecurity and the signs of HPAI can be found at NCDA&CS Poultry Health Programs. If you have questions about migratory birds, hunting, or wild waterfowl found dead on your property, visit the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s website.
Franklin County records first case of avian influenza in poultry
Louisburg, N.C. – Franklin County has recorded its first case of H5N1 avian influenza in poultry.
Avian influenza – commonly known as bird flu – was first reported on January 1, 2026, in Franklin County. Poultry in a backyard flock tested positive for the disease.
“It is important for owners of commercial birds and backyard flocks take preventive measures to keep their birds healthy and safe,” said Charles Mitchell, Franklin County Cooperative Extension Director.
Commercial and backyard bird owners should take heightened precautions to prevent the spread of avian influenza. The Center for Disease Control and the United States Department of Agriculture have resources to keep birds and their owners.
While human cases of bird flu are not as common, individuals handling infected birds or other infected animals should use proper personal protective equipment to reduce exposure.
Franklin County News Release
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Franklin County
A positive highly pathogenic avian influenza case has been found in a backyard flock located in Franklin County. What about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)? HPAI is a deadly disease that spreads very quickly and can affect many avian/poultry species including chickens and turkeys. With this threat, the faster we can respond the faster we can stop the virus from spreading. It is critical to keep strict biosecurity measures and watch your flock closely for any signs of the disease. Problems in your flocks should be reported quickly and is vital in protecting the poultry in our state and nation from this deadly disease. Know the Warning Signs • Reduced energy, decreased appetite, and/or decreased activity
• Lower egg production and/or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
• Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, and wattles
• Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs
• Difficulty breathing, runny nares (nose), and/or sneezing
• Twisting of the head and neck, stumbling, falling down, tremors, and/or circling
• Greenish diarrhea
Report It! If your birds are sick or dying, report it right away.
This is one of the most important things you can do to keep HPAI from spreading. Your local veterinarian NC State Veterinary Office 919-707-3250 Your local branch of the NC Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System,- Raleigh 919-733-3986
- Find additional resources at Poultry Extension
Handout Resources
Biosecurity Basics for Poultry ProducersHighly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAl)
