HARTWELL, Ga. — The Georgia Department of Agriculture announced today that a third case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was found in a commercial poultry flock in Hart County, Ga. More than 35,000 birds were affected at the broiler-breeder operation.
This is the third detection this year, but the sixth detection in the state in the current HPAI outbreak that started in February 2022.
Out of an abundance of caution and due to severe winter weather, on site operations at the Hart facility began on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, and are being conducted concurrently with GDA’s operations in Walker County, GDA said in a statement.
“With severe cold weather persisting and migratory waterfowl continuing to pass through our state, it is not unexpected to see an uptick in HPAI cases,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper said. “Biosecurity is our best defense against HPAI, and we’re encouraging producers around Georgia to ensure they continue to implement Gold Standard biosecurity protocols.
“Our teams are working around the clock to contain the virus, protect our state’s poultry flock, and minimize any impacts to other producers and Georgia consumers,” Harper added. “There is no threat to the safety of our food supply at this time, and no deceased birds ever entered the supply chain.”
On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, the producer noticed signs of increased mortality in their flock and contacted the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network, GDA mentioned. Samples were collected and sent to the GPLN for testing, which resulted in a preliminary positive.
Due to the inclement weather, delivery of the samples to USDA’s National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames, Iowa, have been delayed, GDA added. However, the preliminary positive allows GDA to immediately begin response operations.
On Jan. 28, APHIS reported that for the previous 30 days there have been 19 commercial flocks and 45 backyard flocks affected by HPAI. Commercial flocks include 4 in Kansas and 4 in Minnesota. These combined national confirmations totaled 1.44 million affected birds.
For more information on bird flu, visit APHIS at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza.
