Nearly 300 dead birds have been found near Cape Hatteras on North Carolina's Outer Banks, raising concerns that bird flu may be spreading among wild bird populations. Wildlife officials are investigating and conducting tests to confirm the cause.

    What You Need To Know

  • There have been nearly 300 dead birds reported near Cape Hatteras on North Carolina's Outer Banks

  • Wildlife officials are investigating and conducting tests to confirm if bird flu might've been the cause

  • Miranda Turner, a wildlife health biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said the number of influenza cases in wild birds along the Outer Banks is rising

  • There have been a total of 15 confirmed bird flu cases in eastern North Carolina counties

Miranda Turner, a wildlife health biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said the number of influenza cases in wild birds along the Outer Banks is rising.

Turner said it's because migratory birds pass through North Carolina in the spring and fall in large groups, allowing for the rapid spread of disease. There have been a total of 15 confirmed cases in eastern North Carolina counties. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recommends keeping birds inside their coop, keeping feed sources closed and buying livestock from reputable sources that test for disease.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a backyard flock in Dare County, marking the first case in the area. The infected flock has been depopulated to prevent further spread, according to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

This case follows earlier outbreaks in January, which affected two commercial turkey breeding operations in Sampson County and a large commercial layer facility in Hyde County. The Hyde County operation alone saw the loss of over 3.3 million birds.

State veterinarian Dr. Mike Martin emphasized the ongoing risk posed by "wild birds" and "migratory waterfowl," urging poultry owners to maintain "strict biosecurity measures."

“Reports of positive backyard flocks will likely happen on occasion,” Martin said, advising poultry owners to report any unusual bird deaths immediately.

While HPAI poses a low risk to humans and does not impact food safety, it is highly contagious and deadly to birds. Officials encourage poultry owners to monitor their flocks for symptoms, including reduced energy, breathing issues and unusual swelling or discoloration.

For more information on bird flu, biosecurity measures and how to report sick birds, visit the N.C. Department of Agriculture’s website.