The first case of avian flu in a commercial poultry operation has been found, according to the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Georgia has confirmed the first positive case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu, in a commercial poultry operation, according to Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.

Georgia confirmed its first case of bird flu in a commercial poultry flock, sparking concerns over public safety and the future of the state’s $30 billion industry.

Georgia officials suspended the sale of poultry in the state after confirming a positive case of bird flu in a commercial operation, threatening one of the state’s prime industries.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture reported the first positive case of bird flu in the state.The virus was found at a commercial poultry farm in Elbert Count

A positive case was detected in a commercial poultry operation in Elbert County, Georgia, the Department of Agriculture said.

Bird flu has wreaked havoc on the egg market. In November and December alone, 17.2 million egg-laying hens died as a result of the virus. That’s nearly half of all birds killed by the virus in 2024, according to the USDA. And it will take months to replace those flocks.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said the department is working to address the state’s first commercial poultry detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Elbert County.

Georgia officials halted all in-state poultry sales, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded $590 million to Moderna to develop vaccines to protect people from flu strains in bird

Another dangerous strain of flu has claimed a life and Georgia’s numbers continue to climb. There’s no vaccine, so what can you do to stay healthy and flu-free?

This marks the first confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial poultry operation and the fifth confirmed detection in the state of Georgia.