Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has joined other state officials in urging the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) to revise its definition of poultry. This proposed change aims to protect commercial poultry exports even if highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is detected in non-commercial or backyard flocks.
Advocating for Change
Harper emphasized the need for a clear distinction between commercial poultry, which is integral to international trade, and non-commercial birds. “Georgia, being the leading poultry producer in the nation, has faced significant challenges due to WOAH’s broad definition of poultry,” Harper stated. “The current stance, which treats HPAI detections in backyard flocks the same as in commercial operations, is illogical and detrimental to our industry. We need reforms to support American agriculture, empower our farmers, and protect jobs.”
Economic Impact on Georgia
The broad definition of poultry by WOAH has had substantial economic repercussions for Georgia. According to Harper, since November 2023, the detection of HPAI in a flock raised-for-release on hunting preserves has cost the state’s poultry producers an estimated $300 million. This loss occurred despite these flocks not being part of the international trade network.
Risk and Biosecurity
Georgia State Veterinarian Janemarie Hennebelle highlighted the increased risk of HPAI in non-commercial flocks due to their interaction with wild birds. “Backyard flocks and birds raised-for-release have more exposure to HPAI compared to commercial operations that follow strict biosecurity protocols,” Hennebelle explained. “Our biosecurity measures have limited the impact of the H5N1 outbreak to only 30,000 birds in Georgia, compared to over 90 million birds affected nationwide. Commercial poultry exports should continue unimpeded if HPAI is detected in non-commercial flocks.”
Legislative Support
In May, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and Representatives sent a letter to USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Administrator Michael Watson, urging action on this issue. The letter, signed by Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), along with Representatives Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.), highlighted the $900 million loss the U.S. poultry industry suffered due to export disruptions from HPAI detections in non-commercial flocks.
Broad Support
The push for redefining poultry has garnered widespread support from various organizations and companies, including the Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Amlan International, Cantrell Mechanical Solutions, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Poultry Federation, JBS Foods/Pilgrim’s Pride, Mar-Jac Poultry, National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, U.S. Animal Health Association, U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, and Wayne-Sanderson Farms.
Conclusion
As the campaign for a more precise definition of poultry gains momentum, the goal remains to protect the interests of the commercial poultry industry while ensuring that biosecurity measures effectively mitigate the risks associated with HPAI. The proposed changes aim to prevent unnecessary economic losses and support the continued growth and success of American agriculture.
