Georgia Halts Poultry Sales in Elbert County After H5N1 Bird Flu Detected in 45,000 Chickens

Jan 18, 2025, 02:36 AM

Georgia has confirmed its first case of bird flu in a commercial poultry operation in Elbert County, affecting 45,000 chickens. The H5N1 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was identified, marking the fifth detection of the virus in the state but the first in a commercial setting. In response, the state has suspended all poultry sales and exhibitions to mitigate the spread of the disease. This outbreak poses a serious threat to Georgia's poultry industry, which is the state's number one industry.