Bird Flu in Georgia | 11alive.com

ELBERTON, Ga. — First confirmed case Avian influenza in commercial poultry flocks in Georgia Reported on a farm in Elberton.

The incident raised concerns about public safety and the potential impact on the state's poultry industry.

elberton Located in Elbert County, an hour north of Atlanta, is a small community where agriculture is a cornerstone of daily life.

After detection, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper issued a statement reassuring Georgians that poultry products available for retail sale are safe and healthy.

“All Georgians can and should have 100% confidence in the safety and security of poultry products sold in Georgia,” Harper said. “The recent detection of HPAI in a commercial poultry flock in Elbert County will not impact the ability of Georgians to purchase poultry products such as meat and eggs at local grocery stores and restaurants, and will not impact the ability of Georgians to purchase poultry products such as meat and eggs at local grocery stores and restaurants, and The state of Georgia and the Department of Agriculture have strict meat inspection standards to ensure the safety of the food supply, and infected birds are not affected in the food supply chain. I have never been inside.”

Related: 'Serious threat' | Georgia suspends poultry operations after latest avian influenza detection

According to USDA, bird flu They do not pose a significant threat to the security of the state's food supply, and the risk of infected birds entering the food chain is low. Properly cooked chicken and eggs are safe to eat.

George Last is a public health expert and professor at Florida State University School of Medicine.mentioned public concerns during the interview. Although he acknowledged the seriousness of bird flu, particularly its historic case fatality rate of up to 50%, he stressed that the public remains safe at this time.

“There have been very few cases of human infection in the U.S., mostly in agricultural workers or people who have had close contact with infected birds,” Last said.

He added: “There is no confirmed human-to-human transmission of this virus, which is the main concern among public health experts, but the threat is currently limited to wild birds and poultry. ”

Avian influenza is primarily transmitted through contact with wild birds, especially waterfowl such as ducks and geese, which often carry the virus without showing symptoms.

Last explained that the virus could spread to poultry farms if wild birds contaminate water sources or if farm workers accidentally transfer the virus to chicken coops through contaminated footwear or equipment. did.

The infected farm in Elbert County has about 45,000 chickens, and officials are working to contain the spread. Measures include cleaning and disinfecting the area and culling the farm's chickens to prevent further spread.

Last urged poultry farmers to take strict biosecurity measures, including keeping chickens indoors to limit exposure to wild birds. “This is a time when free-range chickens may not be advantageous,” he noted.

For humans, direct exposure to infected birds and their environment poses the greatest risk.

“Agricultural workers, hunters who handle sick waterfowl, and dairy workers who are exposed to infected animals are most at risk,” Rust explained.

He also warned against consuming raw milk, citing cases where cats and humans have been infected through contaminated dairy products.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture also announced a moratorium on exhibits, shows, exchanges, meetings and sales of poultry, including live birds. This suspension does not apply to retail sales of poultry products, production facilities, or sales in private arrangements between individuals. Additionally, birds may continue to be transported to Georgia pursuant to normal entry requirements.

Secretary Harper emphasized that these measures are part of continued efforts to protect Georgia's vital poultry industry while preserving public health.

Last praised the efforts of public health and agricultural agencies to prevent human infection.

“The fact that there are currently no confirmed cases of human infection is a result of the combined efforts of federal, state, and wildlife officials,” he said.

The federal government has a stockpile of more than 5 million vaccines and is investing in RNA vaccine development in preparation for a potential human outbreak.

Despite the localized nature of the outbreak, rust caused alarm, especially among agricultural workers.

“The public health challenge is that if prevention works, nothing bad will happen,” he says. “Human-to-human transmission is one more mutation away, but for now it's primarily bird-to-bird and, in some cases, bird-to-animal transmission.”

Poultry farming is a cornerstone of Georgia's economy, contributing more than $84 billion annually to the state's overall economy. Agriculture is Georgia's largest industry, with more than one-third of its economic activity, or more than $30 billion, tied directly to poultry production.

“Poultry is truly the backbone of our economy,” Secretary Harper said. “This is a significant job creator and provides opportunity for thousands of Georgians across the state. Unlike some regionally specific products, poultry production moves from South Georgia to North Georgia. It's impacting every corner of Georgia.”

Mr. Harper emphasized the widespread nature of the poultry industry, explaining that poultry farming occurs throughout the state, making it unique compared to other agricultural sectors. He acknowledged the significant economic impact on affected Elbert County farmers, but stressed the importance of protecting the entire industry through strict biosecurity measures.

“Keeping our nation's poultry industry healthy is important not only to farmers, but also to the millions of consumers who rely on safe and affordable poultry products,” Harper said.