Another bird flu case in GA may impact access to poultry. Are chicken dinners in danger?
The avian flu (bird flu), more officially known as HPAI, has arrived in Georgia and has now been detected in a commercial poultry operation in Elbert County, Georgia. This is the first case in a commercial flock in Georgia since the 2022 outbreak and the discovery is seriously impacting Georgia poultry production.
According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, approximately 45,000 broiler breeders were affected, causing all in-state poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets and sales of live birds to be suspended until further notice.
The poultry industry is the state’s number one industry, and this suspension will affect thousands of residents’ livelihoods.
Additionally, all other commercial poultry operations within a 10 km radius of the affected sites are under quarantine and surveillance for at least two weeks.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper issued a statement on Jan. 18, reassuring consumers that poultry products, including meat and eggs, are safe in grocery stores and restaurants.
However, it is not without serious concern for the state.
This is the fourth case in Georgia, the 84th in the country, and the virus is spreading at a fairly rapid rate.
What could happen if it continues to spread?
It is important to note, that Georgia’s infection rate is relatively low compared to the national average, despite it being the nation’s top poultry producer.
Although, it may not seem productive to “borrow trouble,” it is often helpful to understand what could lie ahead if the outbreak continues to spread.
Supply disruptions: This may lead to temporary shortages of chicken and eggs in some grocery stores.
Price increases: Consumers might see higher prices for poultry products.
Shift in product offerings: Stores may increase their stock of processed and cooked poultry products which are safer for import and consumption.
Increased biosecurity measures: Stores could implement additional safety protocols.
Regional variations: Areas closer to affected farms, like Georgia, may experience more significant impacts.
Alternative protein sources: Consumers may have to consider other protein sources, which may increase demand for beef, pork, or plant-based alternatives.
It is too early to panic and make a run on stores for chicken thighs, but given Georgia’s significant role in poultry production nationwide, avian flu isn’t something to ignore.
This story was originally published January 21, 2025 at 2:30 PM with the headline "Another bird flu case in GA may impact access to poultry. Are chicken dinners in danger?."
