ATLANTA — Tyler Harper, the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner, announced this week no new cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been detected in the state.

Earlier in 2025, animal health officials detected the virus in two commercial poultry operations in Elbert County, Ga. The state agency said these were the fifth and sixth cases of HPAI since the outbreak started in 2022.

“Following the detection of HPAI in two commercial poultry flocks in Elbert County, our department responded immediately – bringing our Emergency Operations Center online, deploying staff to the affected area, and successfully containing the virus in less than 48 hours,” Harper said. “HPAI remains a significant threat to our state’s #1 industry, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) will continue working around the clock to keep HPAI out of our state, protect Georgia’s poultry flock, and bring down prices for Georgia consumers.”

GDA noted that even with HPAI-free status right now owners of flocks must remain vigilant with their biosecurity to prevent the virus.

“We’re pleased that Georgia is officially free of HPAI in poultry. Although the risk of HPAI remains nationwide, we are optimistic that with diligent efforts by conscientious flock owners, we can maintain this status,” said Janemarie Hennebelle, DVM, state veterinarian for Georgia. “It’s essential for poultry growers and flock owners to minimize contact between wild birds and poultry, adhere strictly to biosecurity protocols, and stay alert for signs of HPAI in your flocks.”

Since February 2022, 1,616 HPAI outbreaks have been reported which affected 166 million birds and 767 commercial flocks around the US. The GDA said 205,000 birds and three commercial flocks were affected during that time.