For the first time, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, has been identified in a commercial poultry flock in Georgia. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the H5N1 strain in Elbert County.

This is the fifth time the virus has been found in Georgia since the current outbreak began in 2022. However, this is the first case involving a commercial poultry operation, raising concerns for Georgia’s poultry industry, the state’s largest agricultural sector.

Just a week earlier, state officials reported the virus in a backyard flock of 13 chickens and ducks in Clayton County. The spread of this disease in occupational settings highlights its increasing danger.

“This is a serious threat to Georgia’s number one industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Georgians who make their living in our state’s poultry industry,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “We are working around the clock to mitigate any spread of the disease and ensure that normal poultry activities can resume in Georgia as soon as possible.”

In response to the outbreak, the GDA has suspended all poultry exhibits, shows, swaps, meets and sales in the state until further notice to prevent the spread of the virus.

Symptoms of bird flu in poultry

Bird flu is a highly contagious virus that affects birds and, in rare cases, humans. Symptoms in poultry include:

– Sudden and unexplained death of birds

– Respiratory problems, such as coughing or sneezing

– Swelling of the head, eyelids and comb

– Decrease in egg production

– lethargy or difficulty walking

Discoloration of wattles and legs

Poultry farmers are advised to closely monitor their flocks for these symptoms and report any unusual bird deaths immediately to local agricultural authorities.

Preventive Measures for Poultry Owners To prevent the spread of HPAI, poultry owners are encouraged to adopt strict biosecurity practices:

1. Limit contact with wild birds: Keep domestic poultry away from wild birds and waterfowl, which are natural carriers of the virus.

2. Clean and disinfect equipment: Regularly clean and disinfect equipment, shoes and clothing used around poultry.

3. Restrict visitor access: Minimize access to poultry farms and ensure visitors follow hygiene protocols.

4. Report sick birds: Notify local agricultural agencies if you notice signs of illness or unusual death in your flock.

Georgia is the largest producer of broiler chickens in the United States, making any disruption to poultry operations economically significant.

GDA continues to work closely with federal and local agencies to prevent outbreaks and protect the health of commercial and backyard poultry across the state. Residents and poultry owners are urged to remain vigilant and follow biosecurity guidelines to prevent further spread of the disease.

Although the H5N1 strain poses no immediate threat to human health, officials recommend cooking poultry and eggs properly to eliminate any potential danger.

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