Georgia has regained its status as free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry, according to an announcement by Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. The designation comes after a case detected on October 23, 2025, at a commercial poultry operation in Gordon County. This was the third confirmed HPAI case in a commercial operation and the eighth detection overall in Georgia since the national outbreak began in 2022.
The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) has recognized Georgia’s HPAI-free status, which allows exports and international trade of poultry products from the state to resume.
“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,” said Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “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.”
Officials cautioned that this declaration does not mean there is no longer any risk. Flock owners are advised to maintain strict biosecurity measures.
“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,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle. “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.”
Since February 2022, there have been 1,905 reported outbreaks across all U.S. states and one territory. Wild birds such as waterfowl and raptors continue to carry the virus across regions.
In total during this outbreak period nationwide, more than 184 million birds have been affected among 883 commercial flocks; however, only about 345,530 birds have been impacted in Georgia—representing three commercial chicken flocks and one waterfowl flock.
According to WOAH guidelines, a region can declare itself free from HPAI if all infected farms are cleared and no new cases occur within at least 28 days.
Avian influenza poses little risk to food safety or human health but can cause severe illness or death among birds depending on strain severity. For more information about avian influenza or how to report sick domestic or wild birds in Georgia:
– Domestic bird issues: call AI Hotline at 770-766-6850 or visit https://www.gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/
– Wild bird concerns: contact Georgia Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-366-2661 or go online at https://georgiawildlife.com/report-dead-birds
Additional resources are available through https://agr.georgia.gov/avian-influenza and https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock/resources
