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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