Georgia Regains HPAI-Free Status After Rapid Response Contained Recent Outbreak

Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.

ATLANTA (RFD-TV) — There is welcome news out of Georgia in the ongoing effort to stop the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the United States.

Following an October detection in a commercial flock, the state has officially regained its virus-free status. The designation, recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), once again opens the door for poultry exports from the state.

Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler Harper said a rapid response helped contain the virus within a day. He also said poultry producers across the state are being asked to remain vigilant, keep wild birds away from flocks, and maintain strict biosecurity protocols as the virus continues to circulate nationwide.

Related Stories
Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
In a post to social media, Trump said Venezuela will buy American agriculture products and will use the money from oil sales to make it happen.
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Rail strength is helping stabilize grain movement, but river and export slowdowns continue to limit overall logistics momentum.
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
China continues to buy U.S. soybeans toward its 12 MMT commitment, as analysts cite data gaps, delivery timing questions, and muted market reaction.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey was in Mission, Texas, where state and federal officials addressed growers and producers at a round table event hosted at a citrus grower’s facility. He shows us how welcome news was all around.
Nationwide highlights expanded insurance options for cattle operations and their company initiatives to promote grain bin safety and support women in agriculture.
New Holland VP Ryan Schaefer shares insights into the brand’s legacy and innovations that support U.S. cattle producers.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.