If you suspect your birds have avian influenza, call the AI Hotline at (770) 766-6850. Testing is free through the gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/.
**New: 1/17/205 Memo on Suspension of Poultry Activities
Avian influenza is a viral disease of poultry. It can be of low pathogenicity (LPAI), causing mild disease, or of high pathogenicity (HPAI), causing severe disease and death. There are different strains of the virus, for example H1N1 or H7N3. Some LPAI viruses can mutate and become HPAI viruses. Waterfowl and other wild birds contribute to the spread of avian influenza.
Avian influenza does not pose a risk to the food supply, and no affected animals entered the food chain. The risk of human infection with avian influenza is very low.
"For the first time since the ongoing, nationwide outbreak began in 2022, HPAI has been confirmed in a commercial poultry operation in the state of Georgia," said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. "This is a serious threat to Georgia’s #1 industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Georgians who make their living in our state’s poultry industry. We are working around the clock to mitigate any further spread of the disease and ensure that normal poultry activities in Georgia can resume as quickly as possible." See our full press release for more details.
| Georgia cases for 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| County | NVSL Confirmation Date | Type of Flock |
| Clayton | January 9, 2025 | Backyard non-poultry |
| Elbert | January 17, 2025 | Commercial poultry |
USDA publishes all detections of HPAI in poultry and wild birds on the APHIS website.
What Flock Owners Should Do
Increase Biosecurity: It is extremely important for poultry owners to increase biosecurity measures to protect their birds from HPAI. The USDA Defend the Flock website has helpful resources for keeping poultry healthy in any operation.
Best biosecurity practices include:
- Ensuring all entry requirements including testing for Avian Influenza are met prior to 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
Report Disease: Promptly report any observation of domestic or wild birds with the signs as described above.
Domestic birds: Call the AI Hotline at (770) 766-6850. Testing is free through the gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/.
Wild birds: Report dead or sick wild birds when seen in unusually high numbers in a single location to DNR. Call 1-800-366-2661 or report online at https://georgiawildlife.com/report-dead-birds.
Resources and Information
- Avian Influenza: How to Protect Your Flock Video (Georgia Dept. of Ag)
- Protect Your Flock Flyer (Georgia Dept. of Ag)
- Defend the Flock - Resource Center (USDA APHIS)
- AI Information for Hunters (USDA)
- Avian Influenza FAQ
- Preventing the Spread of AI to Backyard Flocks Flyer
- HPAI Factsheet (Georgia Department of Public Health)
- How to Cope with Stress During an Animal Disease Outbreak
- How to Prevent Compassion Fatigue
- GDA Press Releases about Avian Influenza