Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) beaches are an important stopover location for migrating birds. It is not uncommon or unusual to see multiple deceased birds along the shoreline throughout the year, especially in the winter when there is an influx of hundreds of thousands of avian visitors.
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can occasionally spread to humans and other animals. In birds, the disease ranges from mild to highly pathogenic. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) can wipe out entire flocks, causing severe symptoms like respiratory distress, swelling, and rapid death. Low pathogenic forms might only show as reduced egg production or mild respiratory issues.
Although considered rare by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), humans can catch avian influenza through direct contact with infected birds, mainly by handling sick poultry or breathing in contaminated dust or droplets. Symptoms in people can mimic regular flu—fever, cough, sore throat—but symptoms can also escalate.
Where can I get more information on avian influenza?
What do I do if I find dead wild animals?
According to the DCDHHS, people should avoid direct contact with wildlife, particularly dead wildlife, practice good hygiene, report the finding, and keep pets away.
Visitors are required to keep pets on a maximum 6-foot leash. Additionally, visitors should keep their pets away from wildlife, particularly dead wildlife, to prevent exposure to diseases.
If you find an alarming number of dead wild animals during a visit to the Seashore, call 252-216-6892 to report the details.
Where can I track avian influenza cases?
Avian influenza is tracked closely by groups like the USDA and CDC.Tracking webpages
What about avian influenza at the Seashore?
Status (last updated: March 19, 2025)
In early 2025, following staff and visitor reports of deceased seabirds along our beaches, the Seashore—as a precautionary measure—prepared approximately a half dozen of these birds for shipment to National Park Service wildlife veterinarians for testing. Two birds—both great black-backed gulls—tested positive for avian influenza, also known as bird flu.
The Seashore continues to share monitoring information with the NCWRC and the DCDHHS. Visitors are encouraged to rely on statements from official sources for accurate and timely information on avian influenza.
Sampling for Avian Influenza Testing at Cape Hatteras National Seashore
| Island |
Date |
Species |
Samples |
# of Positives |
| Bodie |
2/2022 |
Brown Pelican, Common Loon, Ring-billed gull, Razorbill (2) |
5 |
0 |
| Hatteras |
2/2022 |
Razorbill, Atlantic Puffin |
2 |
0 |
| Bodie |
12/2022 |
Common Loon |
3 |
0 |
| Hatteras |
12/2022 |
Common Loon |
1 |
0 |
| Ocracoke |
1/2023 |
Double Crested Cormorant |
1 |
1 |
| Hatteras |
1/2024 |
Redhead Duck |
2 |
2 |
| Bodie |
2/2025 |
Dovekie |
1 |
0 |
| Hatteras |
2/2025 |
Dovekie |
2 |
0 |
| Ocracoke |
2/2025 |
Dovekie, Great Black-Backed Gull (2)* |
3 |
2* |
*Presumptive positive cases
