Ag News
Georgia Department of Ag orders suspension of some poultry activities
Posted on Feb 23, 2022 at 0:00 AM
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been identified in a commercial turkey flock in Indiana, a commercial broiler flock in Kentucky, a backyard flock of mixed species birds in Virginia, and non-commercial backyard flocks in New York and Maine.
According to Georgia State Veterinarian Janemarie Hennebelle, no cases of avian influenza (AI) have been identified in commercial or domestic poultry in Georgia as of Feb. 21. Please see Commercial, Backyard, & Wildlife cases in the United Stated (USDA APHIS) for more information about HPAI detections in the United States.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kills bacteria and viruses.
In response to the emergence of AI-positive birds in other states, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has ordered suspension of all exhibitions, shows, sales (flea markets, auction markets), swaps, and meets pertaining to poultry and feathered fowl in Georgia until further notice, effective Feb. 16. Notifications will be announced when listed activities can resume in Georgia.
Good biosecurity practices are the best defense against AI infection and poultry producers must take the following measures to protect their flocks:
• Move all poultry with outside access indoors.
• Implement strict biosecurity.
• Monitor flocks for clinical signs consistent with AI.
• With HPAI, birds may become quiet, not eat and drink, have diarrhea, and have discolored combs and feet. Birds may also die suddenly with no signs of disease.
• Report any concerns to your veterinarian, state animal health official or federal animal health official immediately.
Avian Influenza is a reportable disease in Georgia. If you have concerns about AI in birds, call the Georgia Avian Influenza hotline at (770) 766-6850 or visit https://www.gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/.
Biosecurity and other resources:
GDA Avian Influenza Resource Page
Defend the Flock - Resource Center (USDA APHIS)
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