RALEIGH, N.C. — A turkey breeding facility in Wayne County has tested positive for High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI), marking the first confirmed case in North Carolina’s commercial poultry industry since January 2025. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Veterinary Diagnostic Lab in Raleigh identified the positive sample.

The outbreak affects approximately 9,500 turkeys, adding to the state’s cumulative total of 14 commercial flocks and 12 backyard flocks impacted by avian influenza prior to this incident.

“In recent months, cases of HPAI have increased across the country,” said State Veterinarian Mike Martin. “With HPAI in the wild bird population and in migratory flyways, commercial operators and backyard flock owners have remained on heightened watch. Under HPAI protocols, we will be actively testing other flocks within the 10-kilometer zone in collaboration with our federal and industry partners.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this strain of HPAI poses low risk to humans, but is highly contagious among birds, including both commercial and backyard poultry. Officials emphasize that the virus does not pose a food safety threat, and infected birds are not allowed to enter the food supply.

“This case of HPAI should not impact the availability of turkeys for the Thanksgiving holiday,” Martin added.

State officials urge both commercial operators and backyard flock owners to maintain strict biosecurity practices. Anyone with sick or dying birds should report concerns immediately to a local veterinarian or contact 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.