State and federal agriculture officials have confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a second commercial poultry flock in Walker County, marking Georgia’s second detection in a commercial operation in 2026 and the fifth detection overall in the state since the nationwide outbreak began in February 2022.

The affected site—designated “Walker 02”—is located within the existing control area and housed approximately 16,000 broiler breeder chickens. Officials said response teams accelerated operations ahead of expected inclement weather this weekend, and depopulation at the site was completed Friday, January 23, 2026.

According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, premovement samples were collected Thursday, January 22, and the Georgia Poultry Lab Network returned a presumptive positive, allowing response efforts to begin immediately while confirmatory testing was pending. USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory later confirmed the positive result late January 23. Officials emphasized that response protocols require immediate action, including depopulation, disposal, and ongoing cleaning and disinfection.

All commercial poultry operations within a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) control area remain under quarantine and enhanced surveillance testing. Due to the proximity of the Walker 01 and Walker 02 locations, officials expanded the control area to include five additional farms. Movement of poultry, poultry products, and related materials within the control area is prohibited without a permit issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and the affected premises are being secured with access limited to authorized personnel.