ATLANTA, Ga. (WALB) – Georgia officials have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in Henry County, Georgia. The flock, consisting of approximately 45 birds of mixed species, tested positive for the H5N1 virus, marking the first confirmed case in the state since January 2025.

The flock owners reported increased bird deaths on August 29, 2025, prompting Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) officials to collect samples that were later confirmed positive by the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network and USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory. Officials completed depopulation, disposal, and disinfection operations to prevent further spread.

“Backyard flocks that interact with wild birds are at higher risk of contracting Avian Influenza,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper. “Our team acted quickly to contain the disease and prevent its spread.”

The outbreak poses no risk to the food supply, and the risk of human infection remains very low. Transmission is believed to have occurred through contact with wild birds. There are no commercial poultry or dairy operations within six miles of the affected flock.

The GDA is coordinating with the Georgia Department of Public Health to monitor anyone who may have had direct contact with the birds.

This is the fourth confirmed detection of HPAI in Georgia this year and part of an ongoing nationwide outbreak affecting millions of birds since 2022.B) -

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