North Carolina Dairy Cow Tests Positive for Avian Flu

Apr 12, 2024

By April Laissle

Avian influenza has been detected in a North Carolina dairy herd. It’s the first time the virus has impacted the state’s livestock.

Until this week, the disease, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), had been found in cattle in just six states: Texas, Kansas, Michigan, Idaho, New Mexico, and Ohio.

North Carolina joined the list after a dairy cow that had been moved to the state from one of the impacted herds in Texas tested positive for the disease.

Heather Overton with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services says the state is now taking steps to contain the virus.

“North Carolina has spent years developing how to handle HPAI and poultry," said Overton. "This is new, and we're working with our state and federal partners to develop protocols.”

Avian flu outbreaks were reported at nine North Carolina poultry farms in 2022. This year, the disease was detected at two turkey farms in the state.

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Video: Sow Welfare and Group Housing Systems - Dr. Laya Alves

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Laya Alves from the University of São Paulo, in Brazil, discusses how animal welfare regulations are evolving globally and their impact on pig production systems. She explains challenges in group housing, pain management, and euthanasia decisions, while highlighting the role of training and management in improving outcomes and economic sustainability. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Translating welfare requirements into daily farm routines without compromising economic sustainability remains one of the biggest challenges faced by producers globally today."

Meet the guest: Dr. Laya Alves / laya-kannan is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on animal welfare in pig production, including pain management, euthanasia, and economic decision making. Her work integrates welfare science with practical farm management and sustainability. She collaborates globally to develop applied tools for producers.