Ag News
Ga. Dept. of Ag declares state HPAI-free
Posted on Mar 25, 2026 at 12:27 PM
On March 13, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced that the state has officially regained its status as free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry.
This follows detections of HPAI at a single commercial poultry operation in Hart County and two in Walker County, 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).
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Georgia Department of Agriculture staff and partners in this response, today, we are able to declare the State of Georgia is free from HPAI,” Harper said. “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 United States. Owners of all flocks, large and small, must remain vigilant with their biosecurity to prevent the virus’s introduction.
“We’re pleased that Georgia has officially been declared free of HPAI in poultry. While the risk of HPAI still exists across the country, we are hopeful that with the continued diligence of responsible flock owners, we can maintain this status,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle. “It’s critical for poultry growers and flock owners to limit contact between wild birds and poultry, follow biosecurity protocols carefully, and remain vigilant for signs of HPAI in their flocks.”
The influenza virus is still very active throughout parts of the United States. Since February 2022, 2,142 HPAI outbreaks have been reported in 50 states and 1 U.S. territory. Various species of wild birds infected with HPAI have been found from coast to coast, including waterfowl (ducks, geese, gulls, etc.), raptors (vultures and eagles), and other common species (wild turkey).
Most recently in Georgia, one positive HPAI case was detected on Jan. 13, in a commercial poultry operation in Walker County, and another on Jan. 23. The third was confirmed on Feb. 2 in Hart County. This marks the seventh case in a commercial operation (commercial poultry: 6, commercial waterfowl: 1) in Georgia and the 11th detection in the state overall (four in backyard birds or wild birds) since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022. All control areas and surveillance zones have been released.
To date, the ongoing nationwide outbreak has affected more than 204 million birds and 973 commercial flocks across the country. In Georgia, only 471,900 birds representing just 6 commercial chicken flocks and 1 commercial waterfowl flock have been impacted.
Under WOAH guidelines, HPAI-free status in poultry can be declared for a state or region after the disease has been eliminated on all affected farms and no new infections are detected during a minimum period of 28 days.
About HPAI
Avian influenza is a viral disease of poultry. It can be of low pathogenicity (LPAI), causing mild disease, or high pathogenicity (HPAI), causing severe illness and death. The virus has different strains, for example, H1N1 or H7N3. Some LPAI viruses can mutate and become HPAI viruses. Waterfowl and other wild birds contribute to the spread of avian influenza.
Food Safety: Avian influenza does not pose a risk to the food supply. The risk of human infection with avian influenza is very low.
Signs of HPAI: Signs include sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of the head, eyelids, comb, hocks, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, lack of coordination, and diarrhea.
Reporting Disease: Promptly report any observation of domestic or wild birds with the signs as described above.
Domestic birds: Call the AI Hotline at 770-766-6850. Testing is free through the www.gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/.
Wild birds: Report sick or dead wild birds when seen in unusually high numbers in a single location to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 1-800-366-2661 or https://georgiawildlife.com/report-dead-birds.
For additional information on HPAI, visit https://agr.georgia.gov/avian-influenza or www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock/resources.
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