#GeorgiaDepartmentOfAgriculture

June 27, 2026

State Agriculture Officials Ask Georgians To Watch For Yellow-Legged Hornets

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Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said this week that the Georgia Department of Agriculture is continuing its efforts to track, trap and eradicate the invasive yellow-legged hornet, and he is encouraging residents to help by watching for signs of the destructive insect.

Harper is asking Georgians to be on the lookout for possible secondary nests and to report any suspected sightings to the state.

Residents should watch for hornet activity around beehives, especially during the morning hours before noon and again after 5 PM.

Possible secondary nests may appear as large, round or oval-shaped structures located high in trees or other elevated areas. Officials say the nests are typically gray or brown and made of layered, paper-like material. Depending on temperatures, they may be visible from late summer through winter.

Anyone who believes they have spotted a yellow-legged hornet nest should report the sighting to the Georgia Department of Agriculture by email at yellow.legged.hornet@agr.georgia.gov.

June 15, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Expands Animal Entry Rules After Screwworm Detection In U.S.

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Georgia agriculture officials have expanded animal entry requirements following the detection of New World screwworm in the United States, a livestock pest that was eradicated from the country decades ago.

June 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Expands Support For Farmers With New Resource Center As Trade Talks Continue

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Georgia agriculture leaders are continuing efforts to strengthen the state’s farming industry through new business resources and expanded market opportunities.

May 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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.