As of February 16, all poultry exhibitions, shows, sales, swaps, and meets in the State of Georgia are suspended until further notice (Read Press Release). Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been identified in commercial poultry operations and backyard flocks in several states. There have been NO cases of avian influenza (AI) identified in commercial or domestic poultry in the State of Georgia. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is monitoring the development of this situation closely. If you suspect your birds have avian influenza, call the AI Hotline at 770-766-6850. Testing is free through the gapoultrylab.org/avian-influenza-hotline/. For more information regarding Avian Influenza read our frequently asked questions.
Avian influenza is a viral disease of poultry. It can be of low pathogenicity (LPAI), causing mild disease, or of high pathogenicity (HPAI), causing severe disease and death. There are different strains of the virus, for example H1N1 or H7N3. Some AI LPAI viruses can mutate and become HPAI viruses. Waterfowl contribute to the spread of Avian Influenza.