Bird Flu Detected in Georgia Backyard Flock, Officials Confirm

A case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a noncommercial backyard flock in Clayton County, Georgia, state agriculture officials announced Friday. The virus, identified as the H5N1 strain, was detected in a flock of 13 chickens and ducks after three birds died suddenly in late December 2024.

The flock’s owners refrigerated the carcasses and sent them to the Georgia Poultry Lab Network for testing. Initial results confirmed HPAI on Jan. 8, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s National Veterinary Services Lab validated the findings on Jan. 9. Further genomic sequencing is underway to determine the specific strain.

On Jan. 9, Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) officials visited the property, located in a residential area near a manmade lake frequented by wild waterfowl, to cull the remaining birds and disinfect the premises. Experts believe the virus was likely transmitted by wild birds, which are known carriers of HPAI.

This marks Georgia’s fourth detection of HPAI since the nationwide outbreak began in February 2022. The state, a leading poultry producer, has seen less than 0.025% of the 133 million birds affected nationwide, according to Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. "This speaks to the effectiveness of biosecurity and the critical work of our animal health professionals and poultry producers," Harper said.

The Georgia Department of Public Health is coordinating with local officials to test and monitor individuals who had direct contact with the infected flock. GDA staff involved in the culling and disinfection process will undergo a 10-day health surveillance period as a precaution.

Officials urge backyard flock owners to remain vigilant and report any unusual bird illnesses or deaths to the Avian Influenza Hotline at 770-766-6850. The GDA website provides biosecurity tips and updates to help protect both commercial and backyard flocks from exposure.

While Georgia has not reported any cases of H5N1 in cattle or humans, the virus has raised concerns nationwide. Earlier this week, the first U.S. death linked to H5N1 was reported, and California implemented emergency measures in response to an outbreak in dairy cattle. Scientists warn that the virus could mutate in ways that make it more transmissible to humans, heightening the need for vigilance.