Bird flu strikes a Georgia commercial flock of 71,000

LaFAYETTE, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Another case of bird flu has hit a commercial poultry operation in Georgia, state officials say.

It’s the first case of the year and the fourth at a commercial poultry operation in Georgia since the ongoing, nationwide outbreak began in February 2022.

With, Ga. and S.C. in the grip of flu, worst may be yet to come

With, Ga. and S.C. in the grip of flu, worst may be yet to come

The case was reported after the producer noticed more bird deaths than usual in the flock on Sunday. Samples were collected and tested, with final confirmation of bird flu on Tuesday.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Management Team immediately deployed to conduct depopulation, disposal, cleaning and disinfection.

The affected premises housed approximately 71,264 broiler breeders.

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All commercial poultry operations within a 6.2-mile radius have been placed under quarantine.

“Avian influenza poses a serious threat to Georgia’s No. 1 industry and to the thousands of Georgians whose livelihoods depend on poultry production,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said.