Avian flu reported in multiple states, does North Carolina need to be on alert?

The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission tells WRAL News it is currently awaiting the results of two birds recently tested for avian flu.

Outbreaks of avian flu are being reported across multiple states. The virus is also spreading to other animals, like cattle.

Earlier this week, the second case of human infection in the U.S. was recorded after a worker on a dairy farm in Texas tested positive.

Still, Dr. Michael Martin, the state veterinarian for North Carolina, says the risk of human infection remains extremely low.

“Our national veterinary services laboratory always lookas at these viruses as we get them and they do genetic sequencing on them,” said Martin. “They see how they compare to viruses in the past, viruses that have effected humans and viruses that have effected mammals. They’re not seeing any changes in that virus, no mutations in that virus, that would suggest a sustainability in any mammal.”

He continued, “What that means is when we have these mammal cases, they tend to be these one off cases and kind of a rarity. That’s unfortunately just going to happen with influenza.”

Martin added it is still important to be cautious when it comes to any kind of outbreak in an animal.

Health officials warn consumers not to drink raw milk. In North Carolina, the sale of raw milk is prohibited.

Martin said the state has also placed restrictions on the importation of cattle from infected areas.

“Right now, any milk that’s coming from an infected cow is getting disposed of. And pasteurization of milk is thankfully a standard in the United States and the pasteurization of milk kills all sorts of bugs,” Martin said.

North Carolina District Wildlife Biologist Greg Batts said it isn’t unusual to see an outbreak this time of year due to migratory bird habits.

“Migratory birds, ducks and geese are the typical carriers of avian influenza,” said Batts.

In North Carolina, Batts said bald eagles, vultures, herons and hawks have also all tested positive.

In 2022, North Carolina became the first state to record an instance of bird flu spreading to a black bear.

“The animals that are picking this up, like a bear, come across a deceased waterfowl or something, and they consumed it,” Batts explained. “The same could be said for a hawk.”

Health officials say if you come across a bird that is acting strangely, do not touch it. You should immediately call NC Wildlife and report the animal’s location to officials.