The Georgia Department of Agriculture says the state has officially been declared free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, though officials stress that poultry growers and flock owners still need to stay on guard. Georgia regained its HPAI-free status as of March 13, allowing the state to resume exports and international trade of poultry products.

The designation is especially important for places like Chattooga County, where poultry is a major part of the farm economy. According to the latest USDA Census of Agriculture, Chattooga County recorded about $89.5 million in poultry and egg sales, out of roughly $92 million in livestock, poultry, and related product sales overall, meaning poultry accounts for nearly all of the county’s farm gate value.

State officials said bird flu was detected earlier this year in one commercial poultry operation in Hart County and two in Walker County. Those cases were part of seven detections in commercial operations and 11 overall cases in Georgia since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said the state’s HPAI-free status is welcome news, but not an all-clear. State officials say the virus remains a significant threat to Georgia’s poultry industry and that prevention efforts will continue.

Poultry growers and backyard flock owners are being urged to maintain strong biosecurity measures, including limiting contact between poultry and wild birds and watching closely for symptoms of illness. Officials say signs of bird flu can include sudden death, loss of energy or appetite, decreased egg production, coughing, sneezing, swelling or discoloration of the head or comb, lack of coordination, and diarrhea.

Officials say anyone who notices those warning signs in a flock should contact the Georgia Department of Agriculture.