ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Georgia’s bustling poultry industry has taken another hit from avian influenza, the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed.

Bird flu was detected in a commercial flock in Gordon County on Friday, the fifth case found in the state since the year began. The disease is highly contagious and can wipe out entire flocks, leading to economic losses.

“This poses a serious threat to Georgia’s #1 industry and to the thousands of Georgians whose livelihoods depend on poultry production,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper said in a statement. “Our team is working around the clock to contain the spread and protect our flocks.”

The affected facility housed about 140,000 broilers, or chickens bred for their meat. On Wednesday, the flock’s owner

See Full Page