Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Commercial Poultry Flock in Hart County

HART COUNTY, GA – Today, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) announced a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry flock in Hart County, Georgia. This marks the third detection of HPAI in a commercial poultry operation in Georgia in 2026 and the sixth detection overall since the nationwide outbreak began in February 2022. Out of an abundance of caution and due to severe winter weather, on site operations at Hart 01 began on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, and are being conducted concurrently with GDA’s operations in Walker County.

“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. Biosecurity is our best defense against HPAI, and we’re encouraging producers around Georgia to ensure they continue to implement Gold Standard biosecurity protocols,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “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. 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, January 24th, 2026, the producer noticed signs of increased mortality in their flock and contacted the Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network (GPLN). Samples were collected, transported to GPLN for testing, and returned a presumptive positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza that same day. Due to inclement weather, delivery of the samples to USDA’s National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames, IA, have been delayed. The presumptive positive from GPLN allows GDA to immediately begin response operations. The affected premises is a broiler-breeder operations with approximately 39,600 birds at the time of detection.

All commercial poultry operations within a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) control area remain under quarantine and are subject to enhanced surveillance testing. Movement of poultry, poultry products, and related materials into, out of, or within the control area is strictly prohibited without a permit issued by GDA. To further prevent the spread of the disease, the affected premises have been secured by GDA Law Enforcement, and access is limited exclusively to authorized personnel.