CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a small, backyard flock in Clayton County. The flock, consisting of 13 chickens and ducks, marks Georgia’s fourth detection of HPAI since the nationwide outbreak began in February 2022.
The affected flock’s owners noticed increased bird mortality in late December 2024, with three birds dying in quick succession. The carcasses were sent to the Georgia Poultry Lab Network (GPLN) for testing on Jan. 6. Initial tests confirmed the presence of HPAI on Jan. 8, a result that was later validated by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Lab (NVSL) on Jan. 9. Further genomic sequencing is underway.
Containment Measures Implemented
On Jan. 9, GDA officials visited the property, located in a residential area near a manmade lake frequented by wild waterfowl, to complete depopulation, cleaning, disinfection, and disposal measures. Experts believe the virus likely spread through contact with wild birds or their contaminated environment. No commercial poultry or dairy operations exist within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected premises.
GDA employees wore full protective equipment and followed strict biosecurity protocols during operations. As a precaution, those involved in onsite activities will undergo a 10-day health surveillance period.
Biosecurity Measures Emphasized
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper highlighted the importance of biosecurity in limiting the spread of the virus. “To date, the ongoing outbreak has impacted more than 133 million birds nationwide, and less than 0.025% of those birds have been from Georgia, the nation’s top poultry producer,” said Harper. “This speaks to the effectiveness of biosecurity and the critical work of our animal health professionals and poultry producers.”
Public Health Monitoring
The Georgia Department of Public Health is coordinating testing and surveillance of individuals who had direct contact with the affected flock.
What Poultry Owners Should Know
Backyard flock owners are urged to remain vigilant. Report sudden increases in bird illnesses or deaths to the Avian Influenza Hotline at 770-766-6850. Visit the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website for biosecurity tips and updates.…