Georgia and Michigan Bird Flu Impact on Poultry

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has lifted a suspension on poultry-related activities after successful tests showed no new bird flu cases following an outbreak in Elbert County. The suspension, initially imposed due to positive HPAI detections, affected live poultry exhibitions, shows, and sales, with a control area established around affected farms. Despite the lifting, Georgia agriculture officials emphasize that bird flu remains a threat, continuing vigilance in monitoring and testing to safeguard poultry and control prices. In Michigan, bird flu has led to significant wild bird die-offs and has affected commercial and backyard flocks, with the virus spreading to mammals such as dairy cows. Health officials advise treating all wild birds as potentially diseased while maintaining that the risk to the general public is low. The widespread outbreak has impacted the poultry industry nationwide, contributing to rising egg prices.