Georgia has officially regained its status as free of bird flu (HPAI) in poultry as of Friday, according to state Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.
This follows detections of the virus at a single commercial poultry operation in Hart County and two in Walker County, Harper said, marking seven detections of Avian Influenza in commercial poultry or waterfowl operations in the state since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022. This designation allows for the resumption of exports and international trade of Georgia poultry products as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH).
“While this declaration marks the end of our operations at the affected premises and in the control zone, HPAI remains a significant threat to our state’s #1 industry, and we will continue working around the clock to keep HPAI out of our state, protect Georgia’s poultry flock, and bring down prices for Georgia consumers.”
Flock owners should note that HPAI-free status in poultry is not an “all clear” or an indication that the risk of the disease is over in Georgia or the rest of the country. Owners of all flocks, large and small, must remain vigilant with their biosecurity to prevent the virus’s introduction, Harper added.