Bird Flu Surge Triggers Widespread Outbreaks, Quarantines Across US, Ireland

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to threaten poultry industries and wild bird populations across the United States and Ireland. In Georgia, multiple commercial poultry operations, including a large commercial flock in Gordon County, have tested positive for HPAI, leading to quarantines and depopulation efforts to contain the virus and protect the state's vital poultry industry. The USDA reports widespread detections of HPAI in various wild bird species across several states, highlighting a seasonal late-fall surge linked to migratory waterfowl. In Virginia, black vultures and other wild birds have died from bird flu, prompting wildlife authorities to advise strict biosecurity measures to prevent spread to domestic flocks. Meanwhile, Ireland has introduced new biosecurity regulations requiring all poultry and captive bird keepers to adopt stricter disease control measures in response to confirmed outbreaks and increased risks during winter migration. These developments emphasize the ongoing challenges in managing HPAI outbreaks and the need for vigilance among poultry producers and the public to limit transmission and economic losses.