Bird Flu Case Prompts Rapid Response in South Georgia
A case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in southeast Georgia, raising concerns across the region’s poultry community.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service say the virus was detected in a backyard flock in Pierce County, in the southeastern part of the state. The flock, made up of about 60 chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, has been depopulated to prevent the disease from spreading.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper said, “We are working around the clock to protect our state’s poultry industry. Our team acted swiftly to respond to the detection of HPAI, implement containment protocols, and limit the potential spread of the disease.”
Officials say the virus most likely came from contact with wild birds. There are no commercial poultry or dairy operations within six miles of the affected site.
Across the Southeast, poultry owners are urged to monitor their flocks. More information is available at agr.georgia.gov.
