#GeorgiaDepartmentOfAgriculture

May 22, 2026

Walker County Animal Shelter Temporarily Closes After Canine Distemper Case

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The Walker County Animal Shelter will be closed for at least 30 days after a litter of surrendered puppies tested positive for canine distemper virus.

May 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Asian Longhorned Tick Confirmed in Georgia and Alabama

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Agriculture and animal health officials in Georgia and Alabama are urging livestock owners, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts to be on alert after the Asian Longhorned Tick was confirmed in multiple counties across the region.

April 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Named Primary Natural Disaster Area Due To Drought

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Chattooga County has been named a primary natural disaster area due to ongoing drought conditions, as state and federal officials continue to respond to dry weather impacting Georgia cities and rural communities.

March 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Declared Free Of Bird Flu, But Officials Urge Continued Vigilance

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The Georgia Department of Agriculture says the state has officially been declared free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, though officials stress that poultry growers and flock owners still need to stay on guard. Georgia regained its HPAI-free status as of March 13, allowing the state to resume exports and international trade of poultry products.

January 25, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Avian Flu Confirmed in Second Walker County Commercial Poultry Flock; 16,000 Birds Depopulated

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State and federal agriculture officials have confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a second commercial poultry flock in Walker County, marking Georgia’s second detection in a commercial operation in 2026 and the fifth detection overall in the state since the nationwide outbreak began in February 2022.