Ag News

Georgia Department of Agriculture lifts poultry activities suspension

by Georgia Department of Agriculture

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On July 1, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) announced that the suspension of certain poultry and feathered fowl activities that was issued on Feb. 16 has been lifted. The suspension was put into place in response to outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in other parts of the U.S. and cases of HPAI in wild birds in Georgia. Exhibitions, shows, sales (flea markets, auction markets), swaps, and meets pertaining to poultry and feathered fowl can resume within the state of Georgia, though GDA continues to urge poultry producers attending such events to follow strict biosecurity.

HPAI continues to be a threat nationwide. Please see the USDA’s web page on Commercial, Backyard, & Wildlife cases (USDA APHIS) for more information about HPAI detections in the United States.

Good biosecurity practices are the best defense against infection and poultry producers must take the following measures to protect their flocks:

• Isolate new birds for 30 days prior to introducing them to your flock;

• Implement strict biosecurity both at home and at events;

• Monitor flocks for clinical signs consistent with AI;

With HPAI, birds may become quiet, not eat and/or 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 suspect your birds have avian influenza, call the AI Hotline at 770-766-6850. For more information, visit the GDA’s frequently asked questions page.

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