Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper announced Monday that the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has officially released the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Control Area in Gordon County. The release follows the successful completion of all mandated testing and response protocols, with no new detections of the virus reported.

Commissioner Harper called the update an important milestone but cautioned that the threat of HPAI remains.
“I’m pleased to announce the release of the HPAI control area for Gordon 01 and the successful completion of all required surveillance testing with no additional HPAI detections,” Harper said. “While this announcement is a great step in the right direction, HPAI remains a significant threat to our #1 industry, and we will continue to work with poultry producers to protect our state’s flocks and to keep prices as low as possible for Georgia consumers.”

Warning for Local Poultry Producers

While Gordon County has cleared the control zone requirements, agriculture officials are urging poultry producers in Chattooga County and surrounding areas — especially those nearest the Gordon County line — to remain vigilant.
Producers are advised to maintain strict biosecurity practices, monitor flock health closely, and report any unusual signs of illness immediately to protect commercial and backyard flocks from potential spread.

Initial Detection in Gordon County

The GDA received notification of a “non-negative” HPAI test result from the Georgia Poultry Lab Network (GPLN) on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025. USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the result the following day.

The GDA activated its Emergency Operations Center and dispatched staff to the Gordon County site on October 24th. Depopulation, disposal, and cleaning and disinfecting procedures were initiated immediately. GDA law enforcement also secured a biosecurity perimeter to restrict access and prevent further spread.

Control Area Testing & Surveillance

A 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) control area was established around the affected farm, encompassing roughly 50 commercial poultry operations. All locations within the zone were subjected to heightened testing requirements and movement restrictions.

In total, GPLN staff completed 1,790 tests, representing 10,690 individual birds and hundreds of flocks — all returning negative for HPAI.

Movement Permitting

To limit risk, the GDA required special movement permits for any transport of birds or poultry-related products into, out of, or within the control zone. Negative HPAI test results were required to obtain a permit.
During the event, officials issued 50 movement permits covering approximately 356 individual movements.

Ongoing Guidance

Even with the control zone lifted, state officials emphasize that HPAI remains a statewide concern, particularly in poultry-dense regions such as northwest Georgia.
Producers in Chattooga County are encouraged to:

  • Strengthen on-farm biosecurity

  • Limit farm visitors and vehicle traffic

  • Separate domestic flocks from wild birds

  • Report unexplained illness or sudden deaths immediately

Georgia’s poultry industry accounts for billions in economic impact, making continued vigilance critical