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Sunshine and a few clouds. High 78F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph..
Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 53F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: October 14, 2025 @ 4:33 am
A wood duck chases other ducks in the water of Bond Park in Cary in March. The Wildlife Resource Commission warns that new cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza begin to emerge during the fall.
A wood duck chases other ducks in the water of Bond Park in Cary in March. The Wildlife Resource Commission warns that new cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza begin to emerge during the fall.
RALEIGH — This time of year, new cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza begin to emerge due to the high numbers of migratory waterfowl that pass through or congregate in North Carolina.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission monitors HPAI in wildlife populations across the state, with an emphasis on birds, said NCWRC Wildlife Health Biologist Miranda Turner.
“With the 2025-2026 migratory game bird seasons quickly approaching, we expect to encounter HPAI-infected bird species, especially waterfowl species,” Turner said.
New cases of avian influenza emerge in the fall and winter months, particularly along the Outer Banks and other coastal areas.
“The combination of good habitat and migratory activity causes an increase in waterfowl populations there, which creates an environment for the virus to easily spread between avian species,” Turner said.
Additionally, influenza viruses are typically cold-hardy and are therefore able to proliferate more easily during the cold winter months. The birds most likely to be found with HPAI are waterfowl, shorebirds and raptors, although cases may less frequently occur in songbirds and wild mammal species.
Since the beginning of the current HPAI outbreak in early 2022, North Carolina has detected the virus in 413 wild birds and one black bear. As of the start of the 2025 fall migratory season, the NCWRC has confirmed HPAI in black vultures in Iredell County and is awaiting results from suspected cases in black vultures in Union County.
Symptoms of HPAI in wild birds may vary, including ocular and/or nasal discharge, coughing, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of coordination, walking or swimming in circles, head and neck twisting/wobbling, paralysis, swollen and/or discolored neck, head and feet and death.
The public can help reduce the spread of HPAI by following these suggestions:
If a dead bird needs to be removed from a location where pets or people could come into contact with it:
“The best way the public can help prevent the spread of HPAI is by removing food sources that encourage birds to congregate in one location, such as feeding ducks and geese or setting out bird feeders,” said Turner.
Currently there are no changes to any game bird seasons due to HPAI. Hunters are advised not to harvest or handle game birds that are obviously sick. Hunters should wear gloves when handling and dressing any harvested birds, and inedible parts should be buried where they were harvested or placed in a trash bag and disposed of in the trash. Wash hands and tools with soap and water or disinfectant wipes. Cook all game meat thoroughly prior to consumption.
To report dead wild animals suspected of contracting HPAI, especially six or more dead wild birds in one area within a period of one to two weeks, contact the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or email HWI@ncwildlife.gov.
Visit NCWRC’s Bird Diseases webpage for the most up-to-date information on HPAI in North Carolina.
Jill Doss-Raines is the senior reporter at The Dispatch. Contact me at jill.doss-raines@the-dispatch.com.
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