Bird flu has been detected in a commercial flock in Elbert County, Georgia, marking the first time the virus has hit a poultry producer in the state since the 2022 outbreak. The Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed the case on Friday, which is causing widespread concern among poultry producers and regulators.
The virus was detected at a facility with approximately 45,000 broiler breeders, where it caused clinical signs that prompted an investigation. Testing by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which is considered a serious threat to Georgia’s top poultry industry.
To mitigate the spread of the disease, all commercial poultry operations within a 6.2-mile radius have been put under quarantine and will undergo surveillance testing for at least two weeks. The state has also sent its State Agricultural Response Teams to conduct depopulation, cleaning, and disinfecting operations.
Georgia’s top agricultural officials are working closely with federal authorities to ensure the safety of poultry products produced in the state. “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,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.
The outbreak comes as bird flu continues to spread globally, with millions of birds killed worldwide over the last two years. The virus has been detected in 84 commercial and backyard flocks nationwide, affecting 10.7 million birds, according to USDA data.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-georgia-chicken-commercial-flock-a5bcad4662d4cf60212f6acb4a55d2ad