Bird Flu Outbreak Halts Georgia Poultry Operations at Commercial Farm
Georgia health officials have suspended all poultry activities statewide following the confirmation of bird flu in a commercial operation in Elbert County in the northeastern part of the state, according to cnn.com. The case, jointly confirmed by state and federal agricultural authorities, represents the first detection in a Georgia commercial poultry facility since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture has implemented immediate containment measures, including the suspension of all poultry exhibitions, shows, sales, and related gatherings. Commercial operations within a 6-mile radius of the affected facility have been placed under quarantine and will undergo mandatory surveillance testing for a minimum of two weeks.
The incident began when the poultry producer observed flu symptoms in their flock on Wednesday. Testing was conducted through the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network, with initial positive results on Thursday afternoon. The USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory provided final confirmation on Friday.
Emergency response teams have been deployed to manage the situation at the affected facility, which housed approximately 45,000 broiler breeders. The teams are conducting depopulation efforts and implementing cleaning and disinfection protocols throughout the weekend.
This development follows a recent detection in a Clayton County, Georgia backyard flock and comes shortly after the first human death from bird flu was reported in Louisiana.
The USDA reports 94 confirmed cases nationwide in the past month, evenly split between commercial and backyard flocks, affecting over 11 million birds. December saw a significant increase in cases, with 122 affected flocks compared to 62 in November.
The current outbreak, which began in January 2022, has expanded beyond poultry to include dairy cattle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has documented 67 human bird flu cases in the United States since April 2024. While health officials maintain that the general public’s risk remains low, they advise particular caution for individuals working with poultry and dairy farms, as well as backyard bird keepers.
The situation presents significant concerns for Georgia’s poultry industry, which stands as the state’s leading agricultural sector. Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper stressed the serious nature of the threat and assured that officials are working continuously to contain the spread and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
The outbreak’s impact extends beyond Georgia, reflecting a broader national trend of increasing bird flu cases across both commercial and backyard flocks. Federal data indicates that January 2025 has already recorded 44 confirmed cases, suggesting continued challenges in controlling the virus’s spread.
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Nationwide Bird Flu Outbreak Drives Egg Prices to Record Highs
A severe outbreak of avian influenza is causing significant disruption to the U.S. egg supply, with nearly 13 million birds affected in the past 30 days according to axios.com. The crisis has led to nationwide egg shortages and unprecedented price increases, prompting some retailers to implement purchase limits.
Egg industry experts report record-breaking price levels, with a dozen large eggs now reaching $7 in the Southeast and South Central regions, while Midwest prices hover around $6.95. The American Egg Board notes that retail demand has remained exceptionally high during this period, creating additional pressure on the already strained supply chain.
Major retailers are responding differently to the supply challenges. While Aldi’s CEO Jason Hart emphasizes their commitment to maintaining competitive pricing, Walmart reports working closely with suppliers to meet customer demand without implementing purchase restrictions. However, some stores are struggling to keep eggs stocked as suppliers face direct impacts from the outbreak.
The Department of Health and Human Services has allocated $590 million to Moderna for accelerating bird flu vaccine trials as part of the response to the crisis. The American Egg Board has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the administration to address the shortages and price increases affecting farmers, distributors, and retailers.
Industry experts indicate that resolving the current situation depends primarily on containing the virus’s spread and repopulating affected bird populations. Egg suppliers report that values for eggs have reached unprecedented levels, with limited supply available in the market.
Despite the challenges in the egg supply chain, food safety officials confirm that eggs remain safe for consumption. However, price relief is not expected until the avian influenza outbreak is brought under control. Farms continue their efforts to maintain biosecurity measures and manage repopulation efforts where possible.
The impact of this outbreak extends beyond individual consumers to affect the entire food supply chain, from producers to retailers. The situation continues to evolve as industry stakeholders and government agencies work to address the challenges posed by this significant agricultural crisis.
Commenting on this article, the nation’s leading food poisoning lawyer said, “Although the CDC currently assesses the public health risk of bird flu infection as low, they’re continuing to monitor the situation closely. At this time, consumers should feel safe to eat eggs and drink pasteurized milk.”
