WALKER COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - State agriculture officials have confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial poultry flock in Georgia.

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA - APHIS) confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) at a commercial poultry operation in Walker County, Georgia, according to a release sent by the GDA.

“For the first time this year, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in a commercial poultry operation here in Georgia,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “Avian influenza poses a serious threat to Georgia’s #1 industry and to the thousands of Georgians whose livelihoods depend on poultry production; GDA deployed immediately, and our staff is working around the clock to prevent any further spread, protect our state’s poultry flock, and ensure minimal impact to other producers and Georgia consumers.”

On Sunday, Jan. 11, the producer noticed signs of higher death rates in their flock and contacted the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network (GPLN). The release states that samples were collected and transported to the GPLN for testing on Monday, Jan. 12. A positive HPAI detection was confirmed by the GPLN on Monday evening and further confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.

The GDA’s Emergency Management Team immediately deployed to the affected premises on Tuesday, January 13, to conduct depopulation, disposal, cleaning, and disinfection. The premises housed approximately 71,264 broiler breeders, and operations are expected to continue throughout the week.

The release states that all commercial poultry operations within a 10 Kilometer (6.2-mile) radius have been placed under quarantine and will undergo surveillance testing for a period of at least two weeks. To prevent further spread, the affected premises have been secured by GDA Law Enforcement, and only authorized personnel are permitted to enter.

Below is a list from the GDA of biosecurity practices to protect your flock against HPAI:

• Ensuring all entry requirements, including testing for Avian Influenza, are met before movement of birds.
• Use dedicated footwear and wash your hands when tending your flock.
• Do not let poultry drink untreated water from lakes and ponds.
• Do not let waterfowl become residents close to small domestic flocks.
• Do not come into direct contact with your flocks if you have seen birds in another country or been involved with hunting, or in contact with any other birds (zoos, auctions, flea markets, live bird markets).

Monitor Flocks: Monitor your flock for signs and symptoms of avian influenza, including monitoring production parameters (feed and water consumption, egg production) and increased morbidity and mortality. Any changes in production parameters that could indicate HPAI should be reported. Signs and symptoms of Avian Influenza include:

• Drop in egg production, soft eggshells
• Discolored combs and feet
• Birds stop eating or drinking
• Diarrhea
• Sudden mortality

If you would like to contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture, you can reach their Office of Communications at 404-656-3689.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.