Avian Influenza Confirmed at Backyard Poultry Grower in SE Georgia

The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a non-commercial, backyard flock in Georgia.

The backyard flock is located in Toombs County, in Southeast Georgia.

This is the first confirmation of HPAI in Georgia, according to Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, and the first detection of the virus in domestic birds in Georgia in 2022.

Black said there are no detections in commercial poultry in the state.

Avian influenza does not pose a risk to the food supply, and no affected animals entered the food chain. The risk of human infection with avian influenza is very low.

According to the Dept of Agriculture, the flock owners reported sick birds and an increased rate of death.

Samples taken on May 29 were tested for the presence of H5N1 avian influenza virus in the flock by the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network and USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory.

The official order suspending poultry exhibitions and assembly of poultry, issued by the state veterinarian’s office on February 16, remains in effect.

This order prohibits all exhibitions, shows, sales (flea markets, auction markets), swaps and meets pertaining to poultry and feathered fowl in the State of Georgia until further notice.

If you suspect your birds have avian influenza, call the AI Hotline at 770-766-6850.

Testing is free through the gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/. For more information regarding Avian Influenza read our frequently asked questions.