Georgia residents are becoming increasingly wary of buying eggs and poultry products since the detection of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Elbert County.

The presence of the virus has raised concerns for consumers across the state as more and more cases are reported and egg prices skyrocket.

 

Is poultry safe to eat?

Yes, poultry and eggs available for retail sale in Georgia remain safe to consume.

Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has reassured consumers that:

  • No infected birds have entered the food supply chain.
  • Georgia and USDA maintain rigorous meat inspection standards.
  • Properly cooked chicken and pasteurized eggs are safe to eat.

 

Why are prices of eggs and chicken going up?

Tom Smith, a finance professor at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, told Atlanta’s Alive11, “Farmers, whether they’re small or industrial farms, they’ve got to euthanize and cull those flocks to prevent the spread of infection. That reduces the number of egg-laying birds, which reduces the number of eggs.”

Other reasons may include: 

  • The USDA reports 94 confirmed cases nationwide in the past month, affecting over 11 million birds.
  • Increased demand, coupled with reduced supply, is putting additional pressure on prices.
  • Some retailers may implement purchase limits on eggs due to shortages.

 

What is Georgia doing about the outbreak?

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has been quick in its response:

  • Quarantine measures were implemented within a 6.2-mile radius of affected farms
  • Suspension of poultry exhibitions, shows and sales until further notice
  • Deployment of emergency response teams for containment and clean-up

 

What can you do to stay safe?

While the risk to public health is low, it is important for consumers to take precautions:

  • Continue to cook poultry products thoroughly.
  • Stay informed about any food recalls.
  • Be aware that egg prices may fluctuate due to the outbreak.

Georgia’s poultry industry is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, contributing significantly to both local and global markets, so instances of cross-contamination could prove detrimental in many ways.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with the Macon Telegraph.

Tags: Georgia  birdflu  bird flu