HPAI, the deadly version of avian influenza, was reported in Hyde County, NC on January 19, 2022.
Also known as bird flu or fowl plague, HPAI is spread mainly by waterfowl. Hyde County is on the Pamlico sound and like other "down east" counties in the area, is a prime duck hunting area. The virus was found in ducks harvested by hunters there.
While Hyde County is 450-475 miles as the duck flies from this writer's homestead in Mitchell County, NC a heads up is in order.
If I Have Backyard or Homestead Chickens, Turkeys and Guineas, Do I Need to Worry?
If you have ducks in addition to chickens, turkeys or guineas, you need to keep the other birds away from the ducks, their droppings and any water the ducks may frequent.
Can I Catch It?
According to the Dept of Ag, the current version of the virus found in North Carolina isn't transmissible to humans.
