Georgia Declared HPAI-Free, Officials Urge Continued Vigilance
Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper has officially declared Georgia to be Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) free following a recent detection in a commercial poultry flock in Gordon County. The announcement brings welcome news to Georgia’s poultry sector, the state’s number one agricultural industry, after a rapid and coordinated response from state officials.
Commissioner Harper emphasized the urgency and effectiveness of the response, stating, “Following the detection of HPAI in a commercial poultry flock in Gordon County, our Department responded immediately – bringing our Emergency Operations Center online, deploying staff to the affected area, and successfully containing the virus in less than 24 hours. HPAI remains a significant threat to our state’s #1 industry, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture will continue working around the clock to keep HPAI out of our state and protect Georgia’s poultry industry.”
While the declaration that Georgia is HPAI-free is encouraging, the Georgia Department of Agriculture stresses that it should not be interpreted as an “all clear.” The risk of future detections remains, particularly as avian influenza continues to impact other parts of the country.
Georgia State Veterinarian Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle echoed that message, saying, “We’re pleased that Georgia is officially free of HPAI in poultry. Although the risk of HPAI remains nationwide, we are optimistic that with diligent efforts by conscientious flock owners, we can maintain this status. It’s essential for poultry growers and flock owners to minimize contact between wild birds and poultry, adhere strictly to biosecurity protocols, and stay alert for signs of HPAI in your flocks.”
According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza remains very active across the United States. Since February 2022, 1,905 HPAI outbreaks have been reported in all 50 states. The virus has been detected in commercial poultry, backyard flocks, wild birds, and other avian species, underscoring the ongoing national risk.
State officials continue to encourage poultry producers and flock owners to review biosecurity plans, limit unnecessary access to poultry houses, and report any unusual illness or mortality immediately. Maintaining heightened awareness and preventive measures will be critical to keeping Georgia HPAI-free and protecting the long-term stability of the state’s poultry industry.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.