All exhibitions, shows, sales (flea markets, auction markets), swaps, and meets pertaining to poultry and feathered fowl in Georgia are suspended until further notice. Notifications will be announced when listed activities can resume in Georgia.
Although there have been no cases of avian influenza (AI) identified in commercial or domestic poultry in Georgia, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been identified in commercial poultry operations and a backyard flock in Indiana, Kentucky, and Virginia.
Good biosecurity practices are the best defense against AI infection. 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/.
Please see Commercial, Backyard, & Wildlife cases in the United States (USDA APHIS) for more information about HPAI detections in the United States.
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