Home / Environment / Georgia Poultry Declared Avian Flu-Free
Georgia Poultry Declared Avian Flu-Free
16 Mar
Summary
- Georgia has been declared free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
- The state can now resume exporting poultry products domestically and internationally.
- Vigilance and biosecurity remain crucial to prevent future outbreaks.
Georgia has officially been declared free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), marking a critical milestone for the state's poultry industry. This announcement comes after earlier detections of the virus in commercial operations across Hart and Walker Counties. The successful containment efforts enable Georgia to resume the export of its poultry products to both domestic and international markets.
Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper stated that while this is a significant step, HPAI remains a considerable threat nationwide. He stressed that continuous efforts are underway to prevent reintroduction, safeguard Georgia's poultry flock, and ultimately stabilize prices for consumers. The Georgia Department of Agriculture has detailed signs of the disease and provides resources for reporting affected birds on its website.
Nationwide, HPAI has impacted millions of birds since February 2022. State Veterinarian Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle urged all flock owners, regardless of size, to maintain stringent biosecurity measures. This includes limiting contact between wild birds and domestic poultry, and closely monitoring flocks for symptoms such as sudden death, decreased appetite, or respiratory distress.
