Last week, the Georgia Department of Agriculture confirmed a case of bird flu at a poultry facility in Elbert County, raising concerns among local residents about the safety of poultry products. In response to the situation, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has moved to reassure the public that consuming poultry remains safe. “Every Georgian can and should have 100% confidence in the safety and security of poultry products offered for sale in the state of Georgia,” Harper emphasized during a press briefing.

His statement comes amid heightened scrutiny following the identification of the avian influenza case. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has assessed the risk of infected birds entering the food supply chain as low. They further noted that poultry and eggs, when properly prepared and cooked, pose no health threat to consumers. This guidance is crucial as many individuals express concerns over food safety in light of the recent discovery. To mitigate any potential spread of the virus, all commercial poultry operations within a six-mile radius of the affected facility have been placed under quarantine. These farms will undergo rigorous surveillance testing over the coming weeks to ensure the safety of their flocks and the products they provide.

As the state continues to monitor the situation closely, officials are committed to transparency and public health safety, urging residents to remain informed and confident in the poultry supply. The Georgia Department of Agriculture is actively working to manage this outbreak while ensuring that food safety protocols are upheld.