The North Carolina Department of Agriculture reported on Jan. 6, 2026, that a backyard flock in Franklin County tested positive for HPAI. In addition, the Georgia Department of Agriculture reported confirmed cases in commercial poultry facilities in January.
“Because this disease is carried by wild birds, poultry owners should take extra care to isolate domestic birds from wild waterfowl and from ponds, lakes and other water sources that wild birds may use,” said Michael Neault, South Carolina State Veterinarian and director of Clemson Livestock–Poultry Health.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in wild birds across numerous states, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS). While state-by-state wild bird detection numbers fluctuate due to migration patterns, significant detections of the H5N1 strain have continued into early 2026, with thousands of wild birds affected nationwide as of January.
HPAI is considered a low risk to human health, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between March 2024 and May 2025, 70 human cases of HPAI A(H5N1) were identified in the United States, including two cases associated with backyard poultry. Most reported illnesses were mild, and no human-to-human transmission was detected. The virus is not considered a food safety threat, and infected birds do not enter the food supply.
Poultry owners are encouraged to review recommended biosecurity practices through the Clemson Livestock–Poultry Health Avian Influenza website and the USDA’s Defend the Flock program.
Sick or dead poultry should be reported to Clemson Livestock–Poultry Health by calling 803-788-2260 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or by using the online reporting form. Sick or dead wild waterfowl should be reported to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at 803-734-3886.
Warning Signs of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Common signs of HPAI in poultry include:
- Sudden, high death loss over a short period of time
- Reduced energy, appetite or activity
- Decreased egg production or soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
- Swelling of the head, eyelids, comb or wattles
- Purple discoloration of the comb, wattles or legs
- Difficulty breathing, nasal discharge or sneezing
- Neurological signs such as twisting of the head or neck, stumbling, falling, tremors or circling
