Bird Flu Found in Local Chickens

Bird flu has shown up in a small chicken group in Franklin County. This news came out on Tuesday from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. The specific type of bird flu, called High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI), is very contagious among birds. However, it poses a low risk to people, according to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control. This is the first time bird flu has been found in Franklin County's backyard chickens. It is the ninth case in North Carolina since October 1, 2025. Backyard flocks are usually kept for personal use, not for selling eggs or meat.Dr. Mike Martin, the state veterinarian, mentioned that bird flu is common in wild birds across the state. He advised chicken owners to follow strict hygiene rules. If anyone notices a sudden increase in chicken deaths, they should contact a vet or the NCDA&CS’ Veterinary Division right away. Bird flu can spread quickly among birds, so it's important to take precautions. This includes keeping chickens away from wild birds and cleaning coops regularly. While the risk to humans is low, it's still a good idea to be careful.