A recent outbreak of avian influenza in Georgia, the leading state in U.S. chicken production, is stirring concerns among farmers and poultry processors alike.

According to industry reports, a flock of 45,500 breeder chickens in Elbert County, situated near the South Carolina border, tested positive for the virus last week. This marks the first confirmed case within a commercial poultry operation in the state.

The implications of this outbreak could be significant as major meat importers are poised to impose trade restrictions on U.S. poultry. Importantly, the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council has projected that initial export losses could reach up to $34 million.

Mexico, the largest importer of U.S. poultry products, is expected to suspend purchases from Georgia for a period of two to four weeks while determining a more specific ban on poultry from the affected county.

Meanwhile, Taiwan—ranked as the third-largest importer—plans to halt all poultry imports from Georgia for an estimated six to eight months.

South Korea is likely to implement a temporary ban too, but it may be lifted 28 days after the virus is eradicated, a process which could take roughly three to four months.

This case comes in the wake of more than 138 million birds, including chickens and turkeys, having died or been culled due to bird flu since 2022.

Additionally, since 2024, approximately 930 dairy herds and even 67 people, predominantly farmworkers, have tested positive for strains of the virus.

Commenting on the situation, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper emphasized the seriousness of the threat posed to the state's top industry.

Notably, trade relations are already strained as China has barred imports of Georgia’s poultry products since 2023 due to a previous outbreak among waterfowl.

As the impact of this outbreak unfolds, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are watching closely, knowing that swift action may be necessary to mitigate losses and protect the future of poultry exports from the U.S.

This incident highlights the fragility of agricultural trade and the far-reaching consequences that animal health crises can provoke in the global market.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as many in the industry hold their breath over potential financial repercussions.