Georgia Suspends Poultry Sales Amid Confirmed Bird Flu Case
Georgia officials have suspended poultry sales in the state following the confirmation of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) case in a commercial operation. This marks the first detection of bird flu in a commercial poultry operation in Georgia and the fifth in the state since the nationwide outbreak in 2022.
The case was discovered in Elbert County, northeast of Atlanta, and involves approximately 45,000 broiler breeders, hens responsible for egg production for future meat production. State officials are working to disinfect, clean, and remove affected birds.
All commercial poultry operations within a 6.2-mile radius of the affected property have been quarantined and will undergo surveillance testing for at least two weeks.
Despite the suspension of poultry sales, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper emphasizes that poultry products available in stores and restaurants are "safe and wholesome." He assures that the suspension will not impact the availability or sale of poultry products.
The outbreak poses a significant threat to Georgia's poultry industry, which ranks as the state's largest. Officials are actively working to prevent the spread of the disease and resume normal poultry operations as soon as possible.
While bird flu has been detected in poultry, no human infections have been reported in Georgia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes that the virus primarily affects birds and poses minimal risk to humans.