Georgia has confirmed its first case of bird flu in a commercial poultry operation, leading to a statewide halt on all poultry-related events, including exhibitions, sales, swaps, and auctions. The outbreak, detected at a poultry farm in Elbert County, is being closely monitored by state and federal agencies as efforts to contain the spread are underway.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) announced the outbreak after samples from the affected farm tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). This marks the first confirmed case in a commercial poultry facility in Georgia since the nationwide bird flu outbreak began in 2022.
Immediate Response to the Outbreak
The poultry producer in Elbert County noticed signs of the virus on Wednesday, prompting immediate action from the GDA Emergency Management and State Agricultural Response Teams. Officials began containment measures, including depopulating the infected flock, cleaning and disinfecting the premises, and disposing of affected birds.
The farm housed approximately 45,000 broiler breeders, all of which will be removed to prevent further spread. These operations are expected to continue into the weekend, officials stated.
To ensure the virus does not spread, all commercial poultry facilities within a six-mile radius of the affected farm have been placed under quarantine. These facilities will undergo rigorous surveillance testing for at least two weeks.
Impact on Georgia’s Poultry Industry
Georgia’s poultry industry is a critical part of the state’s economy, making this outbreak a significant concern. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper called the situation 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.”
Harper assured the public that the state is working tirelessly to control the outbreak and minimize its impact. “We are working around the clock to mitigate any further spread of the disease and ensure that normal poultry activities in Georgia can resume as quickly as possible,” he said.
To prevent the spread of the virus, officials have suspended all poultry-related events in Georgia until further notice. This includes exhibitions, shows, flea market sales, and auction markets. No timeline has been provided for when these activities might resume.
Public Health Risk and Safety Guidelines
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk to public health remains low. However, precautions are being taken to monitor the situation closely. Since 2022, there have been 67 confirmed human cases of bird flu globally, with 66 of those occurring in 2024.
The CDC has advised the public to avoid direct contact with wild birds or poultry suspected of being infected. Additionally, poultry workers are encouraged to wear personal protective equipment while handling birds to reduce the risk of exposure.
The Nationwide Bird Flu Outbreak
This is not an isolated incident. The bird flu outbreak has been affecting poultry farms across the U.S. since 2022, leading to the loss of millions of birds and significant economic consequences for the industry.
While Georgia has previously recorded bird flu cases in non-commercial settings, this is the first instance of the virus affecting a commercial poultry operation in the state.
The Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network and USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the positive test results. This detection has prompted renewed efforts to control the virus and protect the state’s poultry industry from further losses.
Recommendations for Residents and Workers
The CDC and state agencies recommend the following steps to minimize risks:
Avoid handling wild birds, especially those that appear sick or dead.
Use protective gear, such as gloves and masks, when working with poultry or cleaning areas where birds are housed.
Report any unusual bird deaths to local agricultural authorities immediately.
Looking Ahead
The bird flu outbreak in Georgia serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the poultry industry. With strict measures in place and ongoing efforts by state and federal agencies, the goal is to contain the virus and resume normal operations as soon as possible.
Officials remain optimistic that these containment efforts will be successful in protecting both the poultry industry and public health. Until then, Georgians are urged to follow guidelines and remain vigilant.
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