MANNING — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza — bird flu, Eurasian H5 — in a bald eagle in Clarendon County. The confirmation was recorded Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. The bird was found sick or dead and submitted by a private submitter; a collection date was not published in the USDA data cited by outlets.
On Friday, Nov. 6, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources advised that highly pathogenic avian influenza continues in wild birds in South Carolina and nationwide. The virus occurs naturally, outbreaks are more likely during seasonal migration, and waterbirds and raptors have been among the species most frequently affected recently. Infected birds may show neurological signs such as unusual behavior or loss of coordination. There is no treatment or cure, and local outbreaks can last weeks to months.
SCDNR asks the public to avoid handling sick or dead wild birds, keep pets away, and leave carcasses undisturbed. Anyone who must move or bury a carcass should wear protective equipment. The department does not collect or remove carcasses. Sick or dead wild waterfowl may be reported to SCDNR at 803-734-3886. Officials consider the risk of transmission to people low but still urge avoiding direct contact and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention human-health guidance.
USDA has confirmed 16 South Carolina wild-bird detections so far this year: five in Charleston County, five in Colleton, three in Clarendon, two in Horry and one in Greenwood. Clarendon’s other two this year were ducks taken by hunters and tested in January under routine surveillance. The only other state detection in about the past month was a Canada goose in Charleston County, collected Oct. 13 and confirmed Oct. 28. Since the outbreak began in January 2022, USDA has recorded 275 South Carolina detections, including nine in Clarendon County.
Clemson’s state veterinarian urges backyard poultry owners to keep birds away from wild waterfowl and shared ponds or lakes, and to report sick or dead poultry to Clemson Livestock Poultry Health at 803-788-2260 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.