ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia agriculture officials confirmed a case of bird flu in a backyard flock in Henry County, marking the state’s second such detection this year. About 45 mixed-breed birds tested positive, but authorities say the virus was contained quickly, preventing further spread.

Bird flu is deadly to domestic poultry and can wipe out entire flocks within days. Within 24 hours of the report, state teams had tested the birds, removed affected animals, decontaminated the premises, and issued guidance to neighboring flock owners.

“Containing it, addressing it, eradicating it in that particular area as quickly as possible is critical,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “One of the major ways [bird flu] spreads is through wildlife, and that is definitely a concern—especially as we get into the fall and winter seasons, when migratory patterns bring these species into our state.”

Georgia’s poultry industry, valued at more than $6 billion annually, a $28 billion annual economic impact, employing 88,000 workers, is a global leader in production.

Since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022, more than 174 million birds have been lost across the U.S., with the heaviest impacts in Iowa and Minnesota. Georgia, by comparison, has seen only about 205,000 birds affected across a handful of flocks.

“Fortunately here in Georgia, our protocols and biosecurity measures have prevented further spread,” Harper said. “Earlier this year, we did see the first commercial poultry flock affected—but our response was immediate.”

Henry County has no commercial poultry or dairy farms within six miles of the affected flock, reducing—but not eliminating—the risk of further spread. Harper said strengthening the state’s emergency management capabilities has been a top priority, with new staff and resources added to respond quickly to outbreaks.

Officials are urging all poultry owners to remain vigilant, keep wild birds away from their flocks, and immediately report any sudden deaths or illness to the Avian Influenza Hotline at 770-766-6850.

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