The Oglethorpe Echo
There’s been only one confirmed case of bird flu in Georgia, but the disease has affected 40.1 million birds in the United States this year (through June 14), according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Georgia’s case of highly pathogenic avian influenza occurred last month on a private farm in Toombs County, which is about 150 miles from Oglethorpe County. About 400 birds of various kinds were killed by state officials to keep it from being spread.
“Producers should still be on high alert and practice all biosecurity measures possible,” said Shanna Reynolds, an Oglethorpe County extension agent. “It doesn’t have to be next door to us to get here.”
The disease is most often carried by migratory game birds, Reynolds said, which is why this disease can spread nationwide quickly.
Poultry is one of the largest industries in Oglethorpe County, with $128.4 million generated from commercial poultry sales in 2021, Reynolds said.
Biosecurity in poultry farms is similar to many safety precautions that people take everyday, especially since the rise of COVID-19.
According to the USDA, farmers are urged to keep germs away from flocks by disinfecting any equipment and clothes that might come in contact with flocks.
Any birds that return from shows should be isolated for 30 days in order to test signs of disease. It is also important that any and all wild birds are kept away from flocks and poultry houses.
"Poultry is the top sector of our No. 1 industry, agriculture, and we are committed to protecting the livelihoods of the many farm families that are dependent on it," Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black said in a release on June 2. "In order to successfully do that, it is imperative that we continue our efforts of extensive biosecurity."
Georgia suspended poultry shows on Feb. 16. The state also set up an avian influenza hotline (770-766-6850) for poultry owners to report large numbers of ill or dead birds.
For more information, go to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s website: agr.georgia.gov/avian-influenza.aspx.