GA Dept of Ag: 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. According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, here have been NO cases of avian influenza (AI) identified in commercial or domestic poultry in the State of Georgia.

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 by GA Dept of Ag 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)