Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper Reassures Georgia Consumers Poultry Products Available for Retail Sale are Safe, Provides Update on Suspension of Poultry Activities

Atlanta, Ga – Following the recent detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a commercial poultry flock in Elbert County, Georgia, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper issued the below statement reassuring Georgians that poultry products available for retail sale in Georgia are safe and wholesome. 
 
"Every Georgian can and should have 100% confidence in the safety and security of poultry products offered for sale in the state of Georgia," said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. "The recent detection of HPAI in a commercial poultry flock in Elbert County will not impact Georgians ability to purchase poultry products like meat or eggs at the local grocery store or restaurant nor will it impact retailers’ ability to offer these products for sale. Georgia and USDA have rigorous meat inspection standards to ensure the safety of our food supply, and no infected birds have entered the food supply chain."
 
According to USDA, Avian Influenza does not pose a significant threat to the safety of our state’s food supply, and the risk of an infected bird entering the food supply chain is low. Poultry and Eggs that are properly prepared and cooked are safe to eat. Additional information on HPAI related food safety concerns is available here. 
 
Update on Suspension of Poultry Activities
 
The suspension of poultry activities in Georgia applies to poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets, and sales (flea market or auction market) involving live birds. It does not apply to the retail sale of poultry products in the state of Georgia, and there will be no impact on retailers' ability to offer poultry products like meat and eggs for commercial sales. The suspension does not apply to production facilities in Georgia, nor does it apply to private treaty sales between individuals. Additionally, birds may continue to be shipped into Georgia following routine entry requirements, which can be found here.