The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu, in a small, non-commercial flock of 13 chickens and ducks in Clayton County. This marks the fourth detection in the state since the nationwide outbreak began in February 2022 and the third case in a Georgia backyard flock.
The affected flock’s owners reported unusual bird deaths in late December 2024, with three birds dying in quick succession. Testing by the Georgia Poultry Lab Network (GPLN) on January 6th, 2025, confirmed the presence of the virus. Officials believe the disease was transmitted through interactions with wild birds, known carriers of HPAI, as the flock was located near a manmade lake frequented by wildlife.
In response, the GDA conducted a comprehensive operation to depopulate the affected flock and disinfect the site on January 9th. Visitors to the premises are undergoing a 10-day surveillance period as a precaution. Officials confirmed that no commercial poultry or dairy operations are within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected area.
Monitoring and Prevention Efforts
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is coordinating testing and surveillance of individuals who may have come into contact with the infected flock. While the state is the nation’s top poultry producer, officials emphasize that ongoing biosecurity measures have been effective in minimizing the outbreak’s impact.
“Biosecurity measures are more crucial than ever as this nationwide outbreak continues,” said Georgia’s Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, highlighting the efforts of poultry producers and animal health professionals in containing the spread of the disease.
Call for Vigilance
Poultry owners in Georgia are urged to remain vigilant by monitoring their flocks for signs of illness or sudden deaths and reporting any concerns to the Avian Influenza Hotline at 770-766-6850. Additional information on HPAI prevention and biosecurity can be found on the GDA’s website.
