Peach Tree Times

The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a second commercial poultry flock in Elbert County, Georgia. This marks the second occurrence in a commercial setting within the state and the sixth detection since the outbreak began nationwide in 2022.

Retail sales of poultry products, including meat and eggs, along with production and processing operations, remain unaffected by current suspensions on poultry activities. The Georgia Poultry Lab Network notified the Department about this positive result on January 17, 2025. This notification allowed immediate action without waiting for further confirmation from USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL), which was received on January 21, 2025.

Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper stated, "HPAI remains a serious threat to our state’s economy, Georgia’s #1 industry, and the health and safety poultry in our state." He noted that their team responded promptly to begin depopulation and other necessary operations. Law enforcement officers are maintaining security around affected areas to prevent further spread.

The HPAI positive result was initially detected during routine testing by the Georgia Poultry Lab Network at a commercial operation known as Elbert 02. This site is located approximately 210 yards from Elbert 01, where HPAI was first identified. Elbert 02 housed about 130,000 broilers.

Following detection at both sites due to their proximity, emergency response teams initiated depopulation and other operations concurrently. These efforts were completed within two days after detection. Enhanced surveillance testing continues for all commercial poultry operations within a six-mile radius under quarantine for at least two weeks.

Suspension of activities involving live birds remains until further notice. Retail sales of poultry products are not impacted by these suspensions.