Flock Status · North Carolina

Bird flu rules for backyard flocks in North Carolina

Standing rules only · October 15, 2026

We found no bird-flu order covering North Carolina or any of its areas today. Its standing rules for bringing birds in and showing them still apply.

Read from 8 official sources19 passages quotedChecked on October 14, 2026

At a glance

Today

Standing rules only

Bird-flu orders in force

None found

APHIS detections, 30 days

None listed

Report sick birds

919-707-3250

Not veterinary advice: follow your state veterinarian. This is a sourced reading of official notices, dated when we read them. Orders can change overnight, so confirm with North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Veterinary Division before you move, show or sell birds.

Current situation

What the agency's own pages and tables showed when we checked, with the line each comes from.

  • North Carolina regained WOAH 'HPAI Free' poultry status as of June 12, 2026; the latest domestic case on NCDA&CS's table is Hyde 02 (commercial layer), confirmed 02/27/2026.

    • “NC regains "HPAI Free" poultry status from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) as of June 12, 2026.”

      North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · ncagr.gov · TRADE STATUS

    • “Hyde 02 02/27/2026 3,263,081”

      North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · ncagr.gov · Domestic Bird Cases of HPAI in NC, row 1

In force today

Worked out from each notice's dates for October 15, 2026. Bird-flu orders come first, then the standing rules.

Standing ruleShows and fairs

Show birds need pullorum-typhoid status and bands, and out-of-state birds a negative AI antigen test within 21 days

The Commissioner may suspend any poultry exhibition

In effect from April 1, 1984 · No end date in the source

Statewide · poultry exhibitions (shows and fair displays) · Birds: poultry (excluding doves and pigeons)

  • Pullorum-typhoid clean flock, or negative PT test within 90 days (30 days for out-of-state birds); NC birds tested by NCDA&CS agents (testing at entry allowed)
  • Tamper-proof band at PT test; test chart travels with the birds
  • No live-virus vaccination in the 30 days before the show
  • No birds infected with or showing signs of contagious disease, or with lice or mites
  • Out-of-state birds: from an area not under quarantine, negative AI antigen test within 21 days before the show
  • The Commissioner may suspend any poultry exhibition to prevent disease
  • The show secretary must give the State Veterinarian's representative a list of exhibitor names and addresses, and print this rule's requirements in the show catalog or premium list ((a)(6), (a)(7))
  • Rule effective April 1, 1984, amended August 1, 2010; a 2017 periodic review under G.S. 150B-21.3A found it necessary without substantive public interest

Rule: 02 NCAC 52B .0502 Health Regulations for Poultry Exhibitions · NCDA&CS (NC Administrative Code, OAH), August 1, 2010

What the rule says (3 passages)
  • “Out-of-state birds shall be admitted provided they are from an area that is not under quarantine for an infectious disease and have a negative antigen detection test for Avian Influenza performed within 21 days prior to presenting for exhibition.”

    NCDA&CS (NC Administrative Code, OAH) · reports.oah.state.nc.us · (a)(5)

  • “The Commissioner may, when in the public interest to prevent disease, suspend any poultry exhibition in North Carolina.”

    NCDA&CS (NC Administrative Code, OAH) · reports.oah.state.nc.us · (b)

  • “The secretary of each show shall furnish the representative of the State Veterinarian with a list of names and addresses of all exhibitors at the time of the exhibition.”

    NCDA&CS (NC Administrative Code, OAH) · reports.oah.state.nc.us · (a)(6)

Bringing birds or hatching eggs into North Carolina

See nc-entry-ai-1 and nc-entry-quarantine-areas-1: NPIP status label on every shipment; under-16-week birds and hatching eggs from NPIP PT clean and H5/H7 AI clean flocks only; older birds AI clean or AI antigen test within 21 days, CVI within 5 days or 9-3; nothing from an H5/H7 quarantine area for six weeks after the last positive. New World screwworm: warm-blooded animals from an NWS infested zone need an ICVI valid 7 days with a screwworm statement and a permit requested 48 hours ahead; from a surveillance zone, the ICVI with the statement (no poultry exemption stated).

What the entry rules say
  • “Every shipment of poultry and hatching eggs entering this State shall be accompanied by a certificate or label showing the name and address of the shipper and the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) Disease Program Status of the flock of origin.”

    NCDA&CS (NC Administrative Code, OAH) · reports.oah.state.nc.us · (a)

Standing ruleBringing birds in

Under 16 weeks: NPIP PT clean and H5/H7 AI clean flocks only

16 weeks and older: NPIP AI clean or a negative AI antigen test within 21 days, with a CVI issued within 5 days or a VS 9-3

No end date in the source

Statewide · entry into North Carolina · Birds: poultry, ratites, hatching eggs

  • Every shipment carries a certificate or label with shipper and NPIP status
  • Hatching eggs, chicks, poults, under-16-week birds: PT clean and NPIP US H5/H7 AI Clean or US AI Clean, with CVI or 9-3
  • 16 weeks and older: PT clean (or PT test within 30 days) and AI clean or AI antigen test within 21 days
  • Flocks over 500 tested for entry: 30 samples per flock, 10 per house
  • NCDA&CS suggests treating waterfowl as poultry
  • Ratites 16 weeks and older: same PT and AI conditions as poultry, plus a permit number from the State Veterinarian's office ((c))
  • Pigeons, doves, birds of prey, psittacines and songbirds: permit number plus CVI issued within 5 days ((e))

Rule: 02 NCAC 52B .0603 Entry of Avian Species into the State of North Carolina · NCDA&CS (NC Administrative Code, OAH), August 1, 2010

What the rule says (3 passages)
  • “Originate from flock certified NPIP H5/H7 AI Clean or US AI Clean, with CVI (issued within 5 days of entry) or VS 9-3 NPIP form from state of origin, or be accompanied by records of a negative antigen detection AI test within 21 days prior to entering the state.”

    NCDA&CS (NC Administrative Code, OAH) · reports.oah.state.nc.us · (c)(2)

  • “Originate from a flock certified NPIP US H5/H7 Avian Influenza (AI) Clean or US AI Clean.”

    NCDA&CS (NC Administrative Code, OAH) · reports.oah.state.nc.us · (b)(2)

  • “Amended Eff. August 1, 2010;”

    NCDA&CS (NC Administrative Code, OAH) · reports.oah.state.nc.us · History Note

Standing ruleBringing birds in

Birds from counties or areas under H5/H7 avian influenza quarantine may not enter North Carolina for six weeks after the last positive test

No end date in the source

Statewide · entry from counties or areas under H5/H7 quarantine · Birds: hatching eggs, chicks, poults, adult poultry and ratites

  • Applies to the county or area of origin, wherever the quarantine is
  • Containers and vehicles that have been in AI-infected counties must be cleaned and disinfected
  • Exceptions case by case: vetpoultry@ncagr.gov or (919) 707-3365
  • NCDA&CS's entry page calls the six weeks a minimum, with case-by-case details

Rule: 02 NCAC 52B .0603(f) · NCDA&CS

What the rule says (2 passages)
  • “No hatching eggs, chicks, poults or adult domestic poultry or ratites may enter NC if they originate in counties or areas under quarantine for H5/H7 Avian Influenza. Entry is not allowed for six weeks following last AI positive test.”

    NCDA&CS · reports.oah.state.nc.us · (f)

  • “PROHIBITED for minimum of 6 weeks following positive case.”

    North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · ncagr.gov · Hatching Eggs, Chicks, Poults, or Adult Poultry/Ratites from Counties or Areas Under Quarantine

Other disease entry orders

Not about bird flu, but they apply to poultry coming in.

May applyBringing birds in

Warm-blooded animals entering North Carolina from a New World screwworm infested zone need an ICVI valid 7 days with a screwworm-free statement, compliance with USDA's NWS movement guidance and an entry permit requested 48 hours ahead

From a surveillance zone, the ICVI with the statement

In effect from June 15, 2026 · No end date in the source

Statewide · entry from New World screwworm infested or surveillance zones · Birds: all warm-blooded animals (no poultry exemption stated)

  • Announced by NCDA&CS on June 15, 2026 (the Import/Export notice itself is undated); the release names livestock, horses, dogs and cats
  • No poultry exemption is stated
  • Permit requests: NC-ICVI@ncagr.gov; questions (919) 707-3250 option 4
  • appliesToday unknown: the order stands, but which states currently count as NWS-affected (or have infested zones) is not shown in this state's saved files; confirm with the agency
  • Covers warm-blooded animals; birds are not named (confirm with NCDA&CS (919) 707-3250 option 4)

Notice: Interstate Movement Requirements for New World Screwworm Detection (Animal Import/Export page) · NCDA&CS Veterinary Division, June 15, 2026

What the notice says (4 passages)
  • “All warm-blooded animals imported into North Carolina from an Infested Zone must must have an accredited veterinarian complete the normal importation requirements and comply with the NWS National Continuity of Business Standardized Animal Movement Guidance .”

    NCDA&CS Veterinary Division · ncagr.gov · NWS notice para 2

  • “The ICVI shall be valid for no more than 7 days from the date of inspection and must also include the statement, “All animals listed have been inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.” An entry permit number must be requested at least 48 hours prior to movement.”

    NCDA&CS Veterinary Division · ncagr.gov · NWS notice para 2

  • “the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will enforce additional interstate movement health requirements for warm-blooded animals, including livestock, horses, dogs and cats, entering North Carolina from states affected by a New World Screwworm Infested Zone.”

    North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · ncagr.gov · para 1 (June 15, 2026)

  • “Jun 15, 2026”

    North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · ncagr.gov · release date

Federal rules apply on top for any move across a state line: official ID and a health certificate or NPIP paperwork.

Sick or dead birds? Who to call

North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Veterinary Division

919-707-3250

The agency's bird flu page

  • “You can reach NCDA&CS Veterinary Division at 919-707-3250, or USDA APHIS at 1-866-536-7593”

    North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · ncagr.gov · Backyard biosecurity section

Recent detections in North Carolina

USDA APHIS lists no confirmed bird-flu detections in North Carolina flocks in the 30 days to October 14, 2026. Latest detection in the APHIS data: October 9, 2026. The national picture

History

Orders that have ended or been lifted, kept so you can see what changed.

Lifted Jun 1, 2022Shows and fairs

Statewide suspension of poultry shows and public sales (lifted June 1, 2022)

In effect from April 5, 2022 · Lifted June 1, 2022

Statewide · all exhibitions, farm tours, shows, sales, flea markets, auction markets, swaps and meets for poultry and feathered fowl · Birds: poultry

  • Announced April 5, 2022 by State Veterinarian Mike Martin; 'until further notice'
  • Lifted as of Wednesday, June 1, 2022, after the last control area ended May 12, 2022

Press release: Poultry shows and public sales suspended until further notice due to High Path Avian Influenza (4/5/22) · NCDA&CS, April 5, 2022

Ended by: NCDA&CS lifts poultry show and sale suspension (June 1, 2022)

  • “State Veterinarian Mike Martin announced today that the suspension of North Carolina poultry shows and public sales will be lifted as of Wednesday, June 1.”

    NCDA&CS · ncagr.gov · para 1

What the press release says (2 passages)
  • “This includes all exhibitions, farm tours, shows, sales, flea markets, auction markets, swaps and meets pertaining to poultry and feathered fowl in North Carolina.”

    NCDA&CS · ncagr.gov · para 1

  • “These activities are suspended until further notice.”

    NCDA&CS · ncagr.gov · para 1

Common questions

Is there a bird flu order in North Carolina right now?
We found no bird-flu order covering North Carolina or any of its areas today. Its standing rules for bringing birds in and showing them still apply.
Can I take my chickens to a poultry show or swap in North Carolina?
We found no bird-flu ban on shows or sales in force on October 15, 2026. Standing rules apply: Show birds need pullorum-typhoid status and bands, and out-of-state birds a negative AI antigen test within 21 days.
What do I need to bring chickens or hatching eggs into North Carolina?
See nc-entry-ai-1 and nc-entry-quarantine-areas-1: NPIP status label on every shipment; under-16-week birds and hatching eggs from NPIP PT clean and H5/H7 AI clean flocks only; older birds AI clean or AI antigen test within 21 days, CVI within 5 days or 9-3; nothing from an H5/H7 quarantine area for six weeks after the last positive. New World screwworm: warm-blooded animals from an NWS infested zone need an ICVI valid 7 days with a screwworm statement and a permit requested 48 hours ahead; from a surveillance zone, the ICVI with the statement (no poultry exemption stated).
Who do I call about sick or dead birds in North Carolina?
North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Veterinary Division at 919-707-3250. Report sick or dying birds there or to USDA at 1-866-536-7593. This page is not veterinary advice; follow your state veterinarian.
How current is this page?
We read North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Veterinary Division's notices on October 14, 2026. Whether each order is in force is worked out from its dates every time the page is rebuilt, at least once an hour, so an order never shows as in force after it ends.
Sources
  1. North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Veterinary Division: bird flu page. North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Veterinary Division.
  2. Poultry shows and public sales suspended until further notice due to High Path Avian Influenza (4/5/22). NCDA&CS. April 5, 2022.
  3. NCDA&CS lifts poultry show and sale suspension. NCDA&CS. June 1, 2022.
  4. 02 NCAC 52B .0502 Health Regulations for Poultry Exhibitions. NCDA&CS (NC Administrative Code, OAH). August 1, 2010.
  5. 02 NCAC 52B .0603 Entry of Avian Species into the State of North Carolina. NCDA&CS (NC Administrative Code, OAH). August 1, 2010.
  6. Interstate Movement Requirements for New World Screwworm Detection (Animal Import/Export page). NCDA&CS Veterinary Division. June 15, 2026.
  7. Page on ncagr.gov. North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
  8. ncdacs-enacts-movement-restrictions-animals-imported-states-affected-new-world-screwworm. North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

We read each document ourselves and last checked this page against them on October 14, 2026. Where they disagree, we show you the disagreement instead of picking a winner quietly.

What we couldn't confirm
  • No current NCDA&CS quarantine-area list or map was found; with no domestic case since February 2026 and HPAI-free status from June 12, none is expected, but this is not stated as an order.
  • No current NCDA&CS show suspension was found: the HPAI page's news list has none after the 2022 suspension and its lifting. This is a search result, not a statement.
  • APHIS rows for North Carolina: nc-aphis-hpai-exporttocsv-nc-rows.txt.
  • Newsroom read back to December 2024 (pages 0-30). HPAI releases found: Hyde and Sampson (January 2025), Dare (March 2025), HPAI-free (April 28, 2025), Rutherford (October 2025), Wayne (November 2025, two), Franklin (January 6, 2026); none suspends shows or sales. No release was found for Sampson 03/04 or Hyde 02 (January-February 2026) or for the June 12, 2026 status.

Next door

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