West Nile Found in Eastern Carolina Chickens

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – State public health officials have found West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis in some chickens and a horse in eastern North Carolina.

The horse was diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Columbus County along with a chicken in Carteret County.

The chickens infected with West Nile were diagnosed in Craven and Beaufort counties.

State entomologists say residents should protect themselves during this prime mosquito season.

This year's only case of a mosquito-born illness infecting a person was diagnosed in a young girl in the western part of the state.