First case of Avian Bird Flu confirmed in backyard flock in Dare County

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) notified Dare County health officials on March 3, 2025 of a laboratory confirmed positive test result for Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 or bird flu in a backyard flock in Dare County. This is the first confirmed positive in a backyard flock in Dare County. In January, HPAI was found in a commercial operation in Hyde County.

In coordination with the flock owner, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture has completed a depopulation of the flock and Dare County Department of Health & Human Services (DCDHHS) officials are working with state partners to respond to any potential human exposure.

Avian influenza is a disease caused by avian influenza A virus, which can affect most species of birds and some animals. While Avian flu can make people sick, it is rare and the risk to the public remains low. To date, there has been no human-to-human spread identified.

There are protective actions that residents can take to protect themselves, their pets and their backyard flocks from H5N1. For more information on avian influenza and what steps you can take to minimize risk of infection, please click here. To learn what bioprotective measures residents should take when managing their backyard flocks, please click here.