UPDATED: State officials release guidance for testing cats for HPAI H5N1

Update: State officials updated the memo to clarify the testing algorithm and specimen collection and submission guidelines.

As news reports across the country of cats who have tested positive for HPAI H5N1 continue to circulate, state health and agriculture officials have released guidance on when and how to test for the disease in live or deceased domestic cats or wild felids. While the general cat population is at low risk for the disease, there are several modes of transmission.

What you need to know: PCR testing can be done at the state Rollins Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, but requires prior approval after a decision tree has been followed.

The memo also explains how to take a sample and quarantine procedures. 

 

What else you need to know: As part of the state’s surveillance efforts, feral cats submitted to the NC State Laboratory of Public Health for rabies testing since July 2024 have also been tested for HPAI if they are confirmed rabies-negative. To date, no HPAI-positive cats in North Carolina have been identified.  

 

Download the HPAI Cat Testing Memo