ATLANTA – A new notice from the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) lifted the suspension of poultry activities in Georgia.

State officials released the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) control area around affected premises after completing testing and response protocols without additional detections.

GDA noted that two affected Elbert Country areas remain under quarantine until further notice.

“I’m excited to announce that both commercial poultry producers in the control area and poultry enthusiasts across our state can return to normal operations,” said Tyler Harper, Georgia agriculture commissioner. “While this announcement is a great step in the right direction, HPAI remains a significant threat to our #1 industry, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture will continue working around the clock to protect our state’s flocks and to keep prices as low as possible for Georgia consumers.”

The original finding of HPAI was made in mid-January making it the first in a commercial flock in Georgia since 2022.

In the last 30 days, the US Department of Agriculture said 103 commercial flocks (23 million birds) have been affected by outbreaks of HPAI across the country.