For the first time since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed in a commercial poultry operation in Georgia. This significant event has raised concerns among industry experts and local farmers, as Georgia is the leading state for chicken production in the United States.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, confirmed the presence of HPAI in a commercial poultry flock located in Elbert County on January 17, 2025. This marks the fifth detection of the virus in the state, but the first in a commercial setting. Previous cases were limited to backyard flocks.
The affected farm, which housed approximately 45,000 broiler breeders, reported clinical signs of avian influenza on January 15, 2025. Samples were promptly collected and tested, confirming the presence of the virus. In response, the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Management and State Agricultural Response Teams were deployed to the site to conduct depopulation, cleaning, disinfecting, and disposal operations.
As a precautionary measure, all commercial poultry operations within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected farm have been placed under quarantine and will undergo surveillance testing for at least two weeks. Additionally, all poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets, and sales in Georgia have been suspended until further notice.
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. 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”.
The Georgia Poultry Federation has assured the public that there are stringent testing processes in place to ensure the safety of poultry products sold for consumption. Despite the outbreak, the federation remains committed to protecting the integrity of Georgia’s poultry industry and the health of consumers.
The spread of avian influenza has been a global concern, with millions of wild and domestic birds affected over the past two years. The recent outbreak in Georgia underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and rapid response to contain the virus and prevent further economic and ecological impacts.
As the situation develops, state and federal agencies will continue to provide updates and work closely with poultry producers to manage and control the outbreak. The goal is to resume normal operations as soon as it is safe to do so, ensuring the continued success of Georgia’s vital poultry industry.
Sources: Available upon request.