The Georgia Department of Agriculture moves quickly to protect the state’s $4 billion poultry industry following the recent bird flu outbreak in three states.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been detected in flocks of birds in Kentucky and Virginia after first appearing on farms in Indiana. According to the AJC, the Georgia Department of Agriculture reports infected wild birds in Hart County but not in its chicken flocks. Still, the sale of live chickens at trades shows, flea markets, and other outlets throughout the state have been stopped by the department.
The CDC reports while avian influenza usually does not infect people, there have been rare cases of human infection with these viruses.