(ATLANTA/June 2, 2022) — The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) have confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial, backyard flock (non-poultry) located in Toombs County, Georgia. This is the first confirmation of HPAI in Georgia. Avian influenza does not pose a risk to the …
Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commissions Seeking Nominations
The Georgia Department of Agriculture has announced that several Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commissions are seeking nominations for positions of individuals whose terms are set to expire. The deadline for receiving nominations is May 27, 2022. To serve on a Commodity Commission, a person must be a producer of the commodity of the commission, commit to attend meetings and represent the producers …
Georgia Dairy Farmers Resoundingly Approve Check Off Continuation
According to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia dairy farmers approved the continuation of the $.10/cwt milk check off to be sent to the Georgia Milk Commission (GA ACCM) by 98%. The voting period was held from March 1 through 30, and the check off is part of the 15 cents that is required under the USDA Federal Milk Program. The Georgia …
Vidalia Onions Ready for Grocery Store Shelves
It’s a favorite time of year for those who love a certain type of onion. That’s coming up on this land of ours. One of America’s favorite types of sweet onion is set to ship this month. Vidalia onions are only available for a limited time each year, so Vidalia onions hitting grocery store shelves often signals spring has sprung. …
Georgia Dept. of Ag Suspends Certain Poultry and Feathered Fowl Activities
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 …
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Update
(GDA/August 3, 2021) — The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s (GDA) Animal Industry Division confirmed Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) in domestic rabbits at a single Gwinnett County premise. This is the second confirmed case this year. The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the virus and currently it does not appear to be linked to the Cobb …
GDA Produce Safety Alliance to Hold In-Person Training Session
The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) has announced they will hold an in-person Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training August 12 in Tifton. According to GDA Produce Safety Education and Outreach Coordinator Maggie Brown, sign up for that training event is underway. The Grower Training Course satisfies the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement that requires at least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm …
Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle Appointed as Georgia’s Next State Veterinarian
(ATLANTA/July 13, 2021) — Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black has appointed Dr. Janemarie Hennebelle as Georgia’s next State Veterinarian, succeeding Dr. Robert Cobb, who retired in June 2021. Hennebelle has served as Assistant State Veterinarian since September of 2016. In her new role, Hennebelle will oversee the Animal Health Division of the Georgia Department of Agriculture while managing staff …
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Update
The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s (GDA) Animal Industry Division has confirmed Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2) in domestic rabbits at a single Cobb County premise. The investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the virus and there are currently no other confirmed or suspect cases in Georgia. RHDV2 is a highly contagious Calicivirus that affects domestic rabbits, as …