Avian Influenza Hits Poultry Industry
WALKER COUNTY, GA. (WDEF) – The Georgia Department of Agriculture has confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) at a commercial poultry operation, marking the first confirmed case in Georgia in 2026.
According to the department, the producer noticed signs of increased mortality in the flock on Sunday, January 11.
Samples were collected and transported to the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network for testing the following day.
A positive HPAI detection was confirmed Monday evening and later verified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Tuesday, January 13.
Immediately following confirmation, the Georgia Department of Agriculture activated its Emergency Operations Center and deployed its Emergency Management Team to the affected premises.
The team began depopulation, disposal, cleaning, and disinfection operations, which are expected to continue throughout the week.
The affected site remains under strict security, with Georgia Department of Agriculture law enforcement securing the premises.
Only authorized personnel are allowed to enter the property to reduce the risk of further spread, as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is known to be highly contagious.
All commercial poultry operations within a 10-kilometer, or 6.2-mile, radius of the affected farm have been placed under quarantine and are undergoing surveillance testing for a minimum of two weeks.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says these measures are part of standard biosecurity protocols designed to contain the virus.
The department also says backyard flock owners within the control zone will be contacted directly and asked to closely monitor their birds for any signs of illness and report concerns immediately.
The state’s agriculture department emphasized there is no threat to the safety of Georgia’s food supply. Poultry products available at grocery stores and restaurants remain safe for consumers.
The affected farm is under close watch, and surrounding operations continue to be monitored. Poultry is the largest agricultural commodity in Walker County, valued at nearly $94 million in 2023.
Response efforts remain ongoing as crews continue to work to contain the virus and protect surrounding operations.
