ATLANTA (WSAV) — The suspension of poultry activities in Georgia was lifted after successful testing and protocols showed no further detections of avian influenza, the Department of Agriculture reported on Monday.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture suspended all poultry activities on Jan. 17 after a positive case of avian influenza, or bird flu, was confirmed in a commercial poultry operation in Elbert County. The suspension affected any activity with live birds including sales at auction, flea, or livestock markets, meet ups, swaps and exhibitions.
Poultry activities may resume as normal, the Department of Agriculture said.
The two affected premises in Elbert County remain under quarantine until further notice.
“I’m excited to announce that both commercial poultry producers in the control area and poultry enthusiasts across our state can return to normal operations,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “While this announcement is a great step in the right direction, HPAI remains a significant threat to our #1 industry, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture will continue working around the clock to protect our state’s flocks and to keep prices as low as possible for Georgia consumers."