Avian Flu Found In GA Backyard Flock, Hundreds Euthanized: Department of Agriculture

GEORGIA — A highly contagious variant of bird flu has been detected in a domestic, backyard flock in Georgia, the state’s Department of Agriculture announced Thursday.

This is the first time this year that the virus was discovered in a domestic flock, state officials said. The virus was found in a multi-species backyard flock in Toombs County between Macon and Savannah, according to officials.

The affected flock consisted of chickens, turkeys, ducks and peacocks, and that upwards of 350 animals had to be euthanized, reported the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The virus — known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI — has previously been detected in wild birds in Georgia, including three dead bald eagles back in April, reported the AJC. So far, 11 wild birds in Georgia have tested positive for the virus this year, mostly in coastal parts of the state, reported the AJC.

According to a news release, there are no detections in commercial poultry in the state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses have occurred.

"Poultry is the top sector of our number one industry, agriculture, and we are committed to protecting the livelihoods of the many farm families that are dependent on it," said Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black in the release. "In order to successfully do that, it is imperative that we continue our efforts of extensive biosecurity."

The official order suspending poultry exhibitions and assembly of poultry, issued by the state veterinarian's office on February 16, remains in effect, officials said.

This order prohibits all exhibitions, shows, sales (flea markets, auction markets), swaps and meets pertaining to poultry and feathered fowl in the State of Georgia until further notice.