Even before HPAI was identified in Georgia, we had a plan for how we would control and eliminate the disease if it ever came to our state. We are now putting this plan into action, but we are not doing it alone. Read about how our state and federal agencies are working alongside poultry producers to eliminate HPAI in Georgia.
State of Georgia
Georgia Department of Agriculture
– We are the lead response agency for on-the-ground operations and communications. Our team works closely with and under advisement of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on defining disease control zones, testing and quarantine procedures and public release of information.
Georgia Poultry Testing Laboratory
– The Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network (GPLN) supports the poultry industry and other bird owners by providing health monitoring and veterinary diagnostic services specific to poultry. GPLN works closely with the poultry industry, government agencies and other laboratories for the prevention, management and control of poultry disease outbreaks state wide.
Georgia Department of Public Health
– Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH) primary role is to coordinate with animal health agencies, local public health, and industry to identify, protect, and monitor the health of poultry workers and others in direct contact with infected birds. DPH also serves as a source of information for the public on any human health risks.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
– The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) works in concert with other state and federal agencies to coordinate wildlife surveillance, educate stakeholders on disease issues and formulate and implement wildlife disease response plans.
University of Georgia
– The University of Georgia provides university research to those in the poultry industry. They provide education materials and programs for the commercial poultry industry, niche producers, extension educators, youth, and consumers.
Federal Partners
Federal USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
– USDA-APHIS are our federal partners in responding to HPAI.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Poultry Industry
The Georgia Poultry Federation (GPF)
– works closely with state and national agencies to coordinate the communication of the latest information to Georgia’s poultry industry through a variety of methods. The GPF takes the lead in providing education and outreach to their members on how farmers can keep their flocks safe from disease threats, while also providing information to small flock and backyard flock owners. The GPF communicates with other state poultry associations as needed, and serve as a resource for the media.