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ATLANTA – The first case of avian flu in a commercial poultry operation has been found, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. 

The case has forced officials to suspend all in-state poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets, and sales until further notice.

Bird flu found in Georgia poultry

What we know:

On Wednesday, a poultry producer in Elbert County noticed signs of avian flu in their flock. Samples were gathered the following morning and taken to the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network (GPLN) for testing, resulting in a positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). 

On Friday, USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory also confirmed a positive test result. 

The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Management and State Agricultural Response Teams (SART) were deployed to the site to “conduct depopulation, cleaning and disinfecting, and disposal operations.” 

This operation will continue through the weekend. The location has about 45,000 broiler breeders onsite.

Quarantine after avian flu discovered

What we don’t know:

Agriculture officials are not sure if the virus has migrated to other flocks. To help fight this, they have set up a 6.2-mile radius quarantine with intense surveillance testing planned for the next two weeks. 

It is not immediately known when the ban on poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, and sales (flea market or auction market) will be lifted. Officials say that is dependent on testing and notification will be sent out.

What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza?

The backstory:

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, is a severe and highly contagious viral disease affecting bird populations worldwide. Caused by influenza A viruses, HPAI poses a significant threat to both domestic poultry and wild birds, with potential implications for public health.

HPAI is characterized by its rapid spread and high mortality rate among infected birds, leading to substantial economic losses in the poultry industry. The virus primarily affects domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, and ducks, but can also infect wild birds, which often act as carriers without showing symptoms.

Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated surfaces, equipment, and clothing. Symptoms in birds include sudden death, lethargy, decreased egg production, swelling of the head, comb, and wattles, respiratory distress, and diarrhea.

While HPAI primarily affects avian species, certain strains have the potential to infect humans, particularly those in close contact with infected birds. Although human infections are rare, they can result in severe respiratory illness, raising public health concerns.

Efforts to control HPAI outbreaks focus on culling infected and exposed birds, implementing stringent biosecurity measures, and restricting the movement of poultry and poultry products. In some cases, vaccination is employed as a preventive measure.

The impact of HPAI outbreaks extends beyond agriculture, affecting trade and public health. Early detection and rapid response are crucial in managing the disease and mitigating its effects on the poultry industry and human populations.

First case of bird flu in commercial poultry in Georgia

What they’re saying:

“For the first time since the ongoing, nationwide outbreak began in 2022, HPAI has been confirmed in a commercial poultry operation in the state of Georgia,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “This is a serious threat to Georgia’s #1 industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Georgians who make their living in our state’s poultry industry. We are working around the clock to mitigate any further spread of the disease and ensure that normal poultry activities in Georgia can resume as quickly as possible.”

How do you catch bird flu?

What you can do:

Officials are asking anyone with chickens to consider moving their flock inside and separate from other animals. 

They also advise farmers to follow the best biosecurity practices and continue to monitor their flock. 

Owners should keep an eye out for birds that become quiet, stop eating or drinking, have discolored combs and feet, or die suddenly with no signs of disease. 

Sick birds should be reported immediately to the Georgia Avian Influenza hotline at 770-766-6850 or at gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline. 

Anyone who sees dead birds in unusually high numbers in a single location should contact the Georgia Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-366-2661 or report online at https://georgiawildlife.com/report-dead-birds.

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