Bird flu found at three NC sites in 2026 so far. Here’s the latest on the virus.
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Two confirmed H5N1 detections in NC this year; a third listed on state site.
- Birds transmit virus via saliva, nasal discharge and feces; contact spreads infection.
- State officials advise flock biosecurity and vigilance to limit H5N1 spread in 2026.
Two North Carolina poultry operations have tested positive for avian influenza so far this year and public health officials say growers should be vigilant about protecting their flocks.
Outbreaks of H5N1, or highly pathogenic avian influenza — commonly known as bird flu — have been confirmed at a commercial turkey operation in Sampson County in southeastern North Carolina and in a backyard flock in Franklin County, just northeast of Wake County, since Jan. 1.
A third case, at a commercial turkey breeder in Sampson County, shows on the state website as confirmed but doesn’t show a specific date.
How prevalent is bird flu?
This strain of bird flu was first detected in domestic waterfowl in China in 1996, according to archives at the Centers for Disease Control. The next year, outbreaks in China and Hong Kong also infected 18 humans, killing six.
Infected birds can spread the virus through saliva, nasal fluid and feces, the CDC says. Other birds can pick up the virus by coming in contact with an infected bird or a contaminated surface.
The CDC says the 1996 outbreak was controlled but because the virus wasn’t eradicated, it reemerged in 2003 and has since spread to 24 countries around the globe.
The virus was first detected in wild birds in the U.S. in January 2022, including in North Carolina, before spreading that year to commercial poultry.
Since 2022, North Carolina has reported a total of 34 outbreaks amid backyard and commercial flocks, forcing the destruction of more than 4 million birds. To prevent spread of the virus, North Carolina officials typically kill all birds in a commercial flock that tests positive for bird flu; the bird barns are filled with foam, killing the birds, and their carcasses are composted at the farm.
The state is one of the top producers in the country of chickens, eggs and turkeys. When there is an outbreak at one farm, state officials test neighboring farms for infections as well.
Of those 34 outbreaks, 17 have been at commercial turkey operations, 13 in backyard or independent flocks, and four in commercial chicken operations.
In 2022, there were 14 outbreaks in the state. There were two in 2023, three in 2024, 12 in 2025 and three so far in 2026.
Humans can get avian influenza
Besides the millions of birds and mammals infected, at least 925 people worldwide have contracted H5N1, the CDC says. Among humans, the virus has about a 50% mortality rate.
People infected with bird flu may experience upper or lower respiratory tract symptoms. Severe pneumonia with respiratory failure, encephalitis, and multi-organ failure have been reported.
The first human case in the U.S. was identified in April 2022.
It also has shown up in dairy cows, some domestic and feral cats, bears, raccoons and other mammals, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
At least 71 humans who work with livestock or backyard poultry also have been infected, and the virus has been blamed for two deaths since animal outbreaks began, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control.
None of the human cases have occurred in North Carolina as of January 2026.
There have been no known cases of person-to-person spread of the disease.
As of December 2025, the CDC said bird flu is a low risk to humans.
How to prevent spread
To prevent spread to backyard flocks, NCSU advises:
- Consider keeping your domestic birds in covered pens so migrating waterfowl and wild birds can’t come in contact with them.
- If you like feed ducks or wild birds, do that away from where you keep your chickens.
- Wash your hands before you handle your backyard birds.
Birds infected with avian flu may appear lethargic, decrease egg production, slow or stop eating, and twist their heads or necks. They may also show swelling in the eyes, head, wattles and comb.
Anyone who has birds showing symptoms is asked to call their local veterinarian, the veterinary division of the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 919-707-3250 or the N.C. Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System at 919-733-3986.
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This story was originally published January 7, 2026 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Bird flu found at three NC sites in 2026 so far. Here’s the latest on the virus.."
