Georgia lifts poultry activity suspension after bird flu containment
After extensive testing and disinfection, Georgia resumes poultry exhibitions and sales following bird flu outbreak.
(41NBC/WMGT/CNN)- The Georgia Department of Agriculture has officially lifted the suspension on poultry activities, a move that marks a significant step toward industry recovery in one of the country’s top poultry-producing states.
The restrictions were originally put in place in January after cases of bird flu, were detected at two facilities in Elbert County. The outbreak led to an immediate halt of all poultry exhibitions and sales to prevent further spread.
Following comprehensive containment measures, including extensive testing, depopulation of infected flocks, and disinfection procedures, no new cases of the virus have been found in the area. As a result, state officials determined it was safe to lift the restrictions.
The highly contagious bird flu virus was responsible for the deaths of more than 40 million egg-laying birds across the U.S. last year. The mass culling of infected flocks, as mandated by the USDA, has been a significant factor in the soaring price of eggs nationwide.
Lifting the Poultry Activity Suspension
With no new cases detected, the Georgia Department of Agriculture has lifted all poultry activity restrictions. However, the two original facilities remain under quarantine until further notice.
“I’m excited to announce that both commercial poultry producers in the control area and poultry enthusiasts across our state can return to normal operations,” said Commissioner Harper. “While this is a great step in the right direction, HPAI [Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza] remains a significant threat to our #1 industry, and we will continue working around the clock to protect our state’s flocks and keep prices as low as possible for Georgia consumers.”
According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the Georgia Poultry Lab Network (GPLN) conducted 4,541 tests on nearly 50,000 birds, all of which came back negative, confirming the virus had not spread beyond the original sites.
