Agriculture Commissioner Suspends Poultry Exhibitions, Shows

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black has suspended until further notice all exhibitions, shows, sales (flea markets, auction markets), swaps, and meets pertaining to poultry and feathered fowl in the State of Georgia due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected in the U.S. in January.

Black says the highly contagious virus has been identified in commercial poultry operations and a backyard flock in Indiana, Kentucky, and Virginia but there have been NO cases of avian influenza (AI) identified in commercial or domestic poultry in the State of Georgia.

In a press release, he said notifications will be announced when listed activities can resume in Georgia.

In the meantime, the Georgia Department of Agriculture recommends good biosecurity practices as the best defense against AI infection.

Black said all Georgia 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.

Symptoms of birds with HPAI include becoming quiet, not eating or drinking, diarrhea, and discolored combs and feet.

Birds may also die suddenly with no warning or signs of disease.

Poultry producers are advised to 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/.