Flock Status · South Carolina

Bird flu rules for backyard flocks in South Carolina

Standing rules only · October 15, 2026

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

Read from 5 official sources26 passages quotedChecked on October 14, 2026

At a glance

Today

Standing rules only

Bird-flu orders in force

None confirmed

APHIS detections, 30 days

None listed

Report sick birds

803-788-2260

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 Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (LPH), the South Carolina State Veterinarian's Office 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.

  • APHIS's detection list shows South Carolina's latest poultry case, Lee 01 (commercial turkeys, confirmed February 23, 2026), with its control area released March 23, 2026; no later South Carolina detection is listed

    • Feb 23, 2026Lee CountyCommercial Turkey Meat Bird36,400 birdscontrol area released Mar 23, 2026

      USDA APHIS · publicdashboards.dl.usda.gov · row Lee 01 (last South Carolina row)

In force today

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

Standing ruleControl zones and quarantine

How LPH responds to a case (no zone active today): the infected premises is quarantined and a 10 km control area is set up, where flocks are surveilled and poultry or poultry products move off farms only under biosecurity and permitting protocols

No end date in the source

Inside a control zone · 10 km control area around an infected premises, when one occurs · Birds: commercial and backyard poultry

  • Infected premises: quarantine prohibits moving poultry and poultry products on or off the site
  • Control area: a 10 km zone around infected flocks; commercial and backyard premises identified and surveilled under USDA protocols
  • All producers in the control area follow biosecurity and permitting protocols to move poultry or products off their farms
  • No control area is active per APHIS (see Current situation)

Guidance: SC Prepares for Avian Influenza (response section) · Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health

What the guidance says (2 passages)
  • “The control area is a 10 km zone established around infected flocks.”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health · clemson.edu · response section

  • “All poultry producers in the control area also comply with stringent biosecurity and permitting protocols in order to move poultry or poultry products off of their farms.”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health · clemson.edu · response section

How to reportReporting sick birds

Anyone must report a diagnosed or suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, exotic Newcastle disease or avian laryngotracheitis to the State Veterinarian within 48 hours

No end date in the source

Statewide · Birds: all animals (HPAI listed)

  • Applies to 'all persons', not only veterinarians
  • Within 48 hours after discovery
  • LPH: report sick or dead poultry at 803-788-2260 or the online sick bird form; wild waterfowl to DNR 803-734-3886

Rule: S.C. Code Regs. 27-1011 Diseases and Health Documentation · Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (South Carolina Code of State Regulations)

What the rule says (2 passages)
  • “A. All persons must report the diagnosed or suspected existence of the following diseases to the State Veterinarian within forty-eight (48) hours after discovery.”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (South Carolina Code of State Regulations) · scstatehouse.gov · Reg. 27-1011.A

  • “28. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (Fowl Plague)”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (South Carolina Code of State Regulations) · scstatehouse.gov · Reg. 27-1011.A.28

May apply where you are

These orders stand, but whether they bind anywhere today depends on local detections we couldn't confirm. Ask the agency before you move, show or sell birds.

May applyBringing birds in

State Veterinarian order, still posted: backyard poultry, waterfowl and ratites from counties with confirmed HPAI may not be brought into South Carolina for public sales, exhibitions or expositions

Birds from unaffected counties follow the normal import rules

In effect from April 14, 2022 · Until further notice

Statewide · importation for public sales, exhibitions and expositions from counties with confirmed HPAI (per the USDA list of affected counties) · Birds: backyard poultry, waterfowl and ratites (emu, ostrich, rhea)

May apply: confirm with Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (LPH), the South Carolina State Veterinarian's Office (803-788-2260 (State Veterinarian's Office, Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30); SC USDA office 803-462-2910). The order stands, but we couldn't confirm where it binds today.

  • Covers backyard poultry, waterfowl and ratites imported for public sales, exhibitions and expositions
  • Applies to birds from counties with confirmed HPAI; the memo points to the USDA avian influenza website for the list of affected counties 'with ongoing HPAI activities' (no South Carolina list of counties is given)
  • Birds from counties without HPAI may continue to be sold and shown under Regulations 27-1014 (poultry) and 27-1027 (ratites)
  • Authority cited: S.C. Code § 47-4-30
  • Described as temporary; LPH said it would issue an updated statement when the prohibition is lifted. No lifting statement found; the memo is still on LPH's avian influenza page (read October 14, 2026)
  • Markets, shows and exhibitions may add their own restrictions

Order: Temporary prohibition of poultry imports from HPAI infected counties (memo to poultry and agricultural stakeholders) · Dr. Michael Neault, State Veterinarian (Clemson Livestock Poultry Health), April 14, 2022

What the order says (4 passages)
  • “the State Veterinarian’s office is temporarily prohibiting importation of backyard poultry, waterfowl, and ratites (e.g., emu, ostrich, rhea) from counties with confirmed infections of HPAI for public sales, exhibitions, and expositions ( See SC Code of Laws section § 47-4-30).”

    Dr. Michael Neault, State Veterinarian (Clemson Livestock Poultry Health) · clemson.edu · Temporary prohibition of poultry imports from HPAI infected counties, para 2

  • “A list of affected counties with ongoing HPAI activities may be found at the USDA Avian Influenza website .”

    Dr. Michael Neault, State Veterinarian (Clemson Livestock Poultry Health) · clemson.edu · Temporary prohibition, para 2

  • “The State Veterinarian’s office will continue to monitor the HPAI outbreak and will issue updated statements when the prohibition has been lifted or other appropriate actions are taken to protect the health of the South Carolina poultry population.”

    Dr. Michael Neault, State Veterinarian (Clemson Livestock Poultry Health) · clemson.edu · Temporary prohibition, para 5

  • “DATE: April 14, 2022”

    Dr. Michael Neault, State Veterinarian (Clemson Livestock Poultry Health) · clemson.edu · Temporary prohibition memo, header

Bringing birds or hatching eggs into South Carolina

Poultry must be U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean or carry a CVI with a P-T test within 30 days. Started NPIP poultry need a prior permit; exhibition-only P-T Clean birds need a VS 9-2 or a CVI with a 30-day P-T test and no AI or other exposure for 30 days. Non-NPIP poultry and ratites need a CVI within 30 days, a negative avian influenza test within 10 days, permanent ID and an SC entry permit number. Since April 14, 2022 (still posted; LPH has not confirmed it still applies; confirm with LPH, 803-788-2260) backyard poultry, waterfowl and ratites from counties with confirmed HPAI may not be imported for public sales, exhibitions or expositions. New World screwworm emergency rules add ICVI statements and permits for backyard poultry from affected states; commercial shipments of eggs, chicks under 5 days and listed NPIP subparts are exempt (the page does not say whether that exemption covers backyard shipments).

What the entry rules say
  • “Public sale, exhibition, and exposition of backyard poultry, waterfowl, and ratites from counties without cases of HPAI infections may continue with normal business operations following South Carolina Code of State Regulations § 27-1014 – Importation of Poultry”

    Dr. Michael Neault, State Veterinarian (Clemson Livestock Poultry Health) · clemson.edu · Temporary prohibition, para 3

Standing ruleBringing birds in

Poultry entering South Carolina must be U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean or have a CVI with a P-T test within 30 days

Started NPIP poultry need a prior permit; non-NPIP poultry need a CVI within 30 days, an avian influenza test within 10 days, permanent ID and an SC entry permit number

In effect from May 26, 1995 · No end date in the source

Statewide · entry into South Carolina · Birds: poultry (NPIP-defined), pigeons and doves, non-certified poultry and ratites

  • All NPIP-defined poultry: U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean or equivalent, or a CVI showing a negative P-T test within 30 days before entry (27-1014.A)
  • NPIP-certified started poultry (fed and watered): prior permit from the State Veterinarian, showing P-T Clean status and no exposure to endangering diseases or vaccines, with a shipper certification of cleaned and disinfected vehicles and containers; egg-type chickens from U.S. S. Enteritidis Monitored stock (27-1014.B)
  • Exhibition-only birds identified as U.S. P-T Clean are exempt from the permit if they carry a current VS 9-2 or a CVI with a negative pullorum and gallinarum test within 30 days, appear healthy, and were not exposed to avian influenza, velogenic Newcastle disease, coryza, laryngotracheitis or a live virus vaccine for 30 days (27-1014.B.4)
  • Immediate slaughter: exempt
  • Pigeons and doves: CVI within 30 days stating no signs of disease and no exposure (including velogenic Newcastle) for 30 days (27-1014.C)
  • Non-NPIP poultry, including ratites: CVI issued within 30 days stating no signs of disease, a negative avian influenza test within 10 days before entry, permanent ID number and the SC entry permit number on the CVI (27-1014.D)
  • Ratites (27-1027): CVI, negative AI test within 10 days, permanent ID and SC entry permit number (803-788-2260)
  • Regulation 27-1017 (1994) separately requires a prior permit for all started poultry

Rule: S.C. Code Regs. 27-1014 Importation of Poultry (with 27-1017 and 27-1027) · Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (South Carolina Code of State Regulations, S.C. Legislature), May 26, 1995

What the rule says (7 passages)
  • “All poultry defined in the Provisions of the National Poultry Improvement Plan entering the State shall be U. S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean or equivalent or be accompanied with a CVI stating the poultry was tested negative for pullorum and typhoid utilizing an approved test within 30 days prior to entry.”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (South Carolina Code of State Regulations, S.C. Legislature) · scstatehouse.gov · Reg. 27-1014.A

  • “1. All started poultry (poultry that has been fed and watered) entering the State shall have an approved permit prior to entry.”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (South Carolina Code of State Regulations, S.C. Legislature) · scstatehouse.gov · Reg. 27-1014.B.1

  • “when accompanied by a CVI, issued within 30 days prior to entry, which states that the NCP is not showing signs of infectious or communicable diseases and”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (South Carolina Code of State Regulations, S.C. Legislature) · scstatehouse.gov · Reg. 27-1014.D.1

  • “2. That the NCP has had a negative avian influenza test within 10 days prior to entry and”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (South Carolina Code of State Regulations, S.C. Legislature) · scstatehouse.gov · Reg. 27-1014.D.2

  • “3. The CVI shows the NCP’s permanent identification number and the S. C. Entry permit number.”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (South Carolina Code of State Regulations, S.C. Legislature) · scstatehouse.gov · Reg. 27-1014.D.3

  • “and has not been exposed to infectious or contagious disease including avian influenza, velogenic Newcastle disease, infectious coryza or laryngotracheitis or any live virus vaccine for 30 days prior to the date of entry.”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (South Carolina Code of State Regulations, S.C. Legislature) · scstatehouse.gov · Reg. 27-1014.B.4

  • “HISTORY: Amended by State Register Volume 19, Issue No. 5, eff May 26, 1995.”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (South Carolina Code of State Regulations, S.C. Legislature) · scstatehouse.gov · Reg. 27-1014 history

Other disease entry orders

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

In force, no end dateBringing birds in

New World screwworm emergency import rules (not bird flu): backyard poultry from an infested zone need official ID, a vet inspection, South Carolina and origin-state permits 48 hours ahead and a 5-day ICVI

From a surveillance zone or affected state, an ICVI with a screwworm-free statement. Commercial shipments of hatching and table eggs, chicks under five days and NPIP subparts B, C, D, G, H and J are exempt; the page does not say whether the egg and chick exemption covers backyard shipments.

No end date in the source

Statewide · poultry entering South Carolina from states with New World screwworm infested or adjacent surveillance zones (not a bird-flu measure) · Birds: backyard poultry (commercial eggs, young chicks and listed NPIP subparts exempt)

  • Exempt (listed under commercial poultry within an infested or adjacent surveillance zone): hatching and table eggs, chicks under five days, and NPIP subparts B, C, D, G, H and J; the page does not say whether the egg and chick exemption covers backyard shipments
  • Backyard poultry from an infested zone: normal import rules plus official ID, an accredited vet's inspection using the USDA NWS checklist, South Carolina and origin-state permit requests at least 48 hours before movement, and an ICVI within 5 days of inspection with the NWS-free statement
  • Backyard poultry from an adjacent surveillance zone: inspection and an ICVI within 7 days with the NWS-free statement
  • Backyard poultry from an affected state: inspection and an ICVI carrying the NWS-free statement
  • All animals from a state with an infested zone must be inspected for fly strike within 24 hours of arrival
  • LPH calls these 'Emergency state and federal restrictions'; no start or end date is given on the page

Notice: NWS Animal Movement · Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health

What the notice says (7 passages)
  • “Moving live animals plays a major role in the spread of invasive pests like NWS. Emergency state and federal restrictions are currently in place.”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health · clemson.edu · NWS Animal Movement, intro

  • “Hatching and table eggs and chicks under five (5) days of age.”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health · clemson.edu · Poultry, exemptions

  • “Completes and issues an ICVI within five (5) days of an inspection. The ICVI must have the statement “All animals were inspected and found free of evidence of NWS infestation.””

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health · clemson.edu · Poultry, backyard poultry within an infested zone

  • “All animals arriving from a state affected by an infested zone must be inspected within 24 hours of arrival for fly strike at the destination site.”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health · clemson.edu · Overview

  • “For commercial poultry within an infested or adjacent surveillance zone:”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health · clemson.edu · Poultry, commercial heading

  • “For backyard poultry within an infested zone:”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health · clemson.edu · Poultry, backyard infested-zone heading

  • “Ensures the poultry has appropriate official identification.”

    Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health · clemson.edu · Poultry, backyard poultry within an infested zone

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

Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (LPH), the South Carolina State Veterinarian's Office

803-788-2260 (State Veterinarian's Office, Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30); SC USDA office 803-462-2910

Report online

  • “Report sick or dead poultry 803-788-2260 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM) or Online report form”

    Dr. Michael Neault, State Veterinarian (Clemson Livestock Poultry Health) · clemson.edu · Report sick or dead poultry

Recent detections in South Carolina

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

Common questions

Is there a bird flu order in South Carolina right now?
We found no bird-flu order covering South 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 South Carolina?
We found no current order on poultry shows or sales in South Carolina on October 15, 2026. That is what the official pages showed, not an all-clear; call the Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health at 803-788-2260 before an event.
What do I need to bring chickens or hatching eggs into South Carolina?
Poultry must be U.S. Pullorum-Typhoid Clean or carry a CVI with a P-T test within 30 days. Started NPIP poultry need a prior permit; exhibition-only P-T Clean birds need a VS 9-2 or a CVI with a 30-day P-T test and no AI or other exposure for 30 days. Non-NPIP poultry and ratites need a CVI within 30 days, a negative avian influenza test within 10 days, permanent ID and an SC entry permit number. Since April 14, 2022 (still posted; LPH has not confirmed it still applies; confirm with LPH, 803-788-2260) backyard poultry, waterfowl and ratites from counties with confirmed HPAI may not be imported for public sales, exhibitions or expositions. New World screwworm emergency rules add ICVI statements and permits for backyard poultry from affected states; commercial shipments of eggs, chicks under 5 days and listed NPIP subparts are exempt (the page does not say whether that exemption covers backyard shipments).
Who do I call about sick or dead birds in South Carolina?
Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (LPH), the South Carolina State Veterinarian's Office at 803-788-2260 (State Veterinarian's Office, Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30); SC USDA office 803-462-2910. 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 Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (LPH), the South Carolina State Veterinarian's Office'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. Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (LPH), the South Carolina State Veterinarian's Office: bird flu page. Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (LPH), the South Carolina State Veterinarian's Office.
  2. S.C. Code Regs. 27-1014 Importation of Poultry (with 27-1017 and 27-1027). Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health (South Carolina Code of State Regulations, S.C. Legislature). May 26, 1995.
  3. NWS Animal Movement. Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health.
  4. What We Do. Clemson University Livestock Poultry Health.
  5. row Lee 01 (last South Carolina row). USDA APHIS.

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
  • The 2022 import prohibition is still on LPH's page with no lifting statement, so it is recorded as in force (until further notice). It is four years old and its triggering list is the USDA set of counties 'with ongoing HPAI activities'; confirm with LPH (803-788-2260) that it is still applied before publishing, and do not render a county list ourselves.
  • LPH's 'LPH News Releases' link for avian influenza returns a 404; no 2025-2026 LPH bird-flu release was found. The February 2026 Lee County case is known here only from APHIS data.
  • Clemson LPH is a university-housed state regulatory agency (the S.C. State Veterinarian's Office); clemson.edu/public/lph is its official host. news.clemson.edu is Clemson University's newsroom; finding aid only.
  • Regulations 27-1014 and 27-1017 both govern started poultry permits and exhibition exemptions with slightly different wording (1995 and 1994); both read from the S.C. Legislature's Chapter 27 PDF, which includes a December 2025 emergency note, so the file is recent.
  • The NWS movement page gives no effective or end date.
  • appliesToday: sc-2022-import-prohibition-1 is 'unknown': the 2022 order is still posted, but whether LPH still applies it, and to which counties today, is unconfirmed. Confirm with LPH (803-788-2260).

Next door

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