Ban on Sale of Poultry Lifted by GA’s State Veterinarian

Georgia’s State Veterinarian has lifted the ban on the sale of poultry in the state. 

In a press release issued late last week, Dr. Robert Cobb Jr. said effective immediately, all poultry exhibitions, shows, sales (flea markets, auction markets), swaps, and meets in the State of Georgia are permitted to return to normal operation.

Cobb said the ban was lifted because of the lack of any recent or additional confirmations of the avian influenza virus in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia.

Cobb said all sample of poultry in Chattooga County where the virus was confirmed last month have now come back negative.

The Avian Influenza virus thrives in cold weather and Cobb said the continued warm weather also played a role in lifting the suspension. 

The Georgia Poultry Assembly Suspension went into effect on March 16 after the virus was confirmed in poultry farms in Tennessee.

Still, Cobb reminds all poultry farmers, especially backyard poultry farmers to continue to  protect your flock from disease by maintaining sound biosecurity practices at all times. 

He recommends taking necessary precautions around any assemblies, gatherings or congregation points

Clean and disinfect yourself along with any items and your vehicle before returning to your farm. 

Always isolate any new additions for a period of time to help prevent introduction of disease into your flock.

Closely monitor your flocks for signs of disease and report any sick birds or concerns immediately.

And he said it’s a good idea to enroll in the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). 

More helpful information can be found at: www.agr.georgia.gov