A case of bird flu has been confirmed at a commercial poultry operation in Walker County, the first confirmed of the year in the state and the fourth case at a commercial poultry operation in Georgia since the ongoing, nationwide outbreak began in four years ago.
On Sunday, the owners noticed signs of increased mortality in their flock and contacted the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network (GPLN). Samples were collected and transported to the GPLN for testing. A positive HPAI detection was confirmed by GPLN on Monday evening and further confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Tuesday.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Management Team immediately deployed to the affected premises to conduct destruction of the remaining birds, disposal, cleaning, and disinfection. The affected premises housed approximately 71,264 broiler breeders.
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. In order to prevent any further spread, the affected premises have been secured by GDA Law Enforcement, and only authorized personnel may enter.
“Avian influenza poses a serious threat to Georgia’s #1 industry and to the thousands of Georgians whose livelihoods depend on poultry production; GDA deployed immediately, and our staff is working around the clock to prevent any further spread, protect our state’s poultry flock, and ensure minimal impact to other producers and Georgia consumers,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said.