Georgia Confirms First Commercial Poultry Bird Flu Case, Halts Industry Activities

     The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) announced on Friday that it has confirmed the state's first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in a commercial poultry operation located in Elbert County. This marks the first such case in Georgia since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022.

• The affected facility houses approximately 45,000 broiler breeders.
• The outbreak was initially detected on Wednesday when the poultry producer noticed signs of avian flu in their flock.
• Samples were tested and confirmed positive by both the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network and the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory.

The GDA has taken swift action to contain the outbreak:

• Emergency Management and State Agricultural Response Teams were deployed to the site.
• "Depopulation, cleaning and disinfecting, and disposal operations" began on Friday and are expected to continue through the weekend.
• A 6.2-mile radius quarantine has been established around the affected site.
• All commercial poultry operations within this radius will undergo surveillance testing for at least two weeks.

In response to this outbreak, the GDA has implemented the following measures:

• Suspension of all in-state poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets, and sales until further notice.
• Intensified monitoring and testing of poultry operations across the state

     Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, "This is a serious threat to Georgia's #1 industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Georgians who make their living in our state's poultry industry". The poultry industry is a crucial component of Georgia's economy, and officials are working diligently to mitigate the spread of the disease.

     While the risk to public health remains low, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation. Since 2022, there have been 67 confirmed human cases of bird flu, with 66 occurring in 2024.  The CDC recommends that people avoid direct contact with wild birds or animals suspected of infection and advises poultry workers to wear personal protective equipment.

The GDA is urging poultry owners to take precautionary steps:

• Consider moving flocks indoors and separating them from other animals.
• Implement strict biosecurity practices.
• Monitor flocks for signs of illness, such as quietness, decreased appetite, discolored combs and feet, or sudden death.

     Any suspicious cases should be reported immediately to the Georgia Avian Influenza hotline at 770-766-6850 or via gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline. As the situation develops, state and federal agencies continue to work closely to manage the outbreak and minimize its impact on Georgia's vital poultry industry.