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Atlanta, GA 30334
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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Office of Communications
404-656-3689

Suspension of Certain Poultry and Feathered Fowl Activities

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been identified in commercial poultry operations and a backyard flock in Indiana, Kentucky, and Virginia. There have been NO cases of avian influenza (AI) identified in commercial or domestic poultry in the State of Georgia. Please see Commercial, Backyard, & Wildlife cases in the United Stated (USDA APHIS) for more information about HPAI detections in the United States.

Effective immediately all exhibitions, shows, sales (flea markets, auction markets), swaps, and meets pertaining to poultry and feathered fowl in the State of Georgia are suspended until further notice. 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.

AI 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

Protect Your Flock (GDA)

Defend the Flock – Resource Center (USDA APHIS)

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Media Contacts

Bo Warren – Policy and Communications

Amir Sports – Media Specialist

About the GDA The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is the voice of the state’s agriculture community. The department’s mission is to provide excellence in services and regulatory functions, to protect and promote agriculture and consumer interests, and to ensure an abundance of safe food and fiber for Georgia, America, and the world by using state-of-the-art technology and a professional workforce. For more information, visit www.agr.georgia.gov.

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