Georgia battles Bird Flu outbreak: What you need to know to stay safe amid rising threat
In a concerning development for Georgia, the state’s top poultry producer, avian influenza (bird flu) has been detected at a commercial poultry farm in Elbert County, marking the first such incident since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022. This case is part of a growing wave of bird flu infections, with the virus spreading through millions of wild and domestic birds globally over the past two years. The infected commercial flock, with approximately 45,000 broiler breeders, was quickly quarantined, and all poultry operations within a 6.2-mile radius have been placed under surveillance for at least two weeks.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on Thursday, following clinical signs of infection reported by the farm earlier in the week. The virus was confirmed by both the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network and the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory.
With Georgia being the leading state for chicken production in the United States, this outbreak is particularly alarming, as it threatens both the local economy and the livelihoods of thousands of workers in the poultry industry. To contain the spread, state agricultural teams have been deployed for depopulation, disinfection, and disposal operations at the affected site. In addition, the state has suspended all poultry exhibitions, sales, and shows in light of the outbreak.
How to Protect Yourself From Bird Flu
Although human infections are rare, it’s crucial to take precautions, especially if you are in close contact with poultry, wild birds, or other animals that may be infected. Here are some essential steps to keep yourself and others safe from avian influenza:
- Avoid Direct Contact: Stay
