Ag News
HPAI confirmed in Walker County commercial poultry flock
Posted on Jan 16, 2026 at 11:27 AM
On Jan. 14, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA - APHIS), confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) at a commercial poultry operation in Walker County. This marks the first confirmed HPAI case in 2026 and the fourth case at a commercial poultry operation in Georgia since the ongoing, nationwide outbreak began in February 2022.
“For the first time this year, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in a commercial poultry operation here in Georgia,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “Avian influenza poses a serious threat to Georgia’s number one 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.”
On Jan.11, the producer 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 on Jan. 12. A positive HPAI detection was confirmed by GPLN on Monday evening and further confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
The GDA’s Emergency Management Team immediately deployed to the affected premises to conduct depopulation, disposal, cleaning, and disinfection on Jan. 13. 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. To prevent any further spread, the affected premises have been secured by GDA Law Enforcement, and only authorized personnel may enter.
Good biosecurity practices are the best defense against AI infection and poultry producers must take the following measures to protect their flocks:
Move poultry with outside access indoors.
Continue strict biosecurity practices, including a clear line of separation on the farm.
Monitor flocks for clinical signs of HPAI.
Birds may become quiet, not eat or drink, have discolored combs and feet, or die suddenly with no signs of disease.
Report unexplained mortality in your birds immediately.
Avian Influenza (AI) is a reportable disease in Georgia. If you have concerns about AI in birds, call the Georgia Avian Influenza hotline at 770-766-6850 or visit https://www.gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/.
Anyone who sees unusually high numbers of dead wild birds in a single location should report this to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Call 1-800-366-2661 or report online at https://georgiawildlife.com/report-dead-birds.
For more information about HPAI & biosecurity tips visit:
Protect Your Flock (Georgia Dept. of Ag)
Avian Influenza FAQ (Georgia Dept. of Ag)
Defend the Flock - Resource Center (USDA APHIS)
AI Information for Hunters (USDA)
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