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HPAI CONFIRMED IN GA COMMERCIAL POULTRY FLOCK; ALL POULTRY SHOWS SUSPENDED

On Friday, Jan. 17, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry operation located in Elbert County. This is the first confirmed HPAI case in a commercial poultry operation in Georgia since the 2022 nationwide HPAI outbreak began, and the fifth detection in the state of Georgia. As a result of this detection, effective immediately, all in-state poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets, and sales (flea market or auction market) are suspended until further notice to limit the possible spread of the disease.

"For the first time since the ongoing, nationwide outbreak began in 2022, HPAI has been confirmed in a commercial poultry operation in the state of Georgia," said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. "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 Centers for Disease Control reports there is no evidence that anyone in the United States has gotten infected with avian influenza A viruses after eating properly handled and cooked poultry products or eggs. Cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including avian influenza A viruses. People should separate uncooked (raw) poultry from cooked foods and foods that won't be cooked. Cook all poultry and poultry products (including eggs) all the way before eating.

 On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the poultry producer noticed clinical signs of avian influenza in their flock. Samples were collected on the morning of Thursday, Jan. 16, and transported to the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network (GPLN) for testing. A positive HPAI detection was confirmed by GPLN on Thursday afternoon, and further confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Friday, Jan 17.  

The GDA’s Emergency Management and State Agricultural Response Teams (SART) immediately deployed to the affected premises to conduct depopulation, cleaning and disinfecting, and disposal operations on Friday, Jan. 17.  Operations are expected to continue into the weekend. The affected premises had approximately 45,000 broiler breeders onsite at the time of detection. 

All commercial poultry operations within a 6.2 mile radius have been placed under quarantine and will undergo surveillance testing for a period of at least two weeks. 

Good biosecurity practices are the best defense against AI infection and poultry producers must take the following measures to protect their flocks: 

Move poultry with outside access indoors. 

Continue strict biosecurity practices, including a clear line of separation on the farm. 

Monitor flocks for clinical signs of HPAI. 

Birds may become quiet, not eat or drink, have discolored combs and feet, or die suddenly with no signs of disease. 

Report unexplained mortality in your birds immediately. 

Avian Influenza (AI) is a reportable disease in Georgia. If you have concerns about AI in birds, call the Georgia Avian Influenza hotline at 770-766-6850 or visit https://www.gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/. 

Anyone who sees unusually high numbers of dead wild birds in a single location should report this to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Call 1-800-366-2661 or report online at https://georgiawildlife.com/report-dead-birds. 

For more information about HPAI & biosecurity tips visit:
 
Protect Your Flock (Georgia Dept. of Ag)

Avian Influenza FAQ (Georgia Dept. of Ag)

Defend the Flock - Resource Center (USDA APHIS)

Protect Your Livelihood PDF (For commercial poultry producers)

AI Information for Hunters (USDA)

 

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