Avian Influenza and Georgia's Efforts

Floor Speech

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Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the importance of the poultry industry to Georgia and the issue of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Georgia is the Nation's leading poultry-producing State, and my hometown of Gainesville proudly claims the title of ``chicken capital of the world.'' The poultry industry is critical to the Ninth District of Georgia and the State as a whole. The jobs of 138,000 Georgians depend on the poultry industry, and poultry represents almost half of Georgia's entire agriculture sector.

Given the scale and importance of the industry to Georgia, it is critically important that adequate attention is paid to the potential threat of bird flu. We saw the devastating impact of a highly pathogenic AI outbreak earlier this year. It was the worst animal disease outbreak in U.S. history. Now, with birds migrating south for the winter, we have to face the prospect of a disease striking the poultry industry again.

Mr. Speaker, APHIS has released a fall plan, and I understand that USDA has been in touch with State governments. But we must do more than simply conceptualize a response. We need to take proactive steps to prevent the spread and severity of high-path AI.

I want to commend Commissioner Black and the Georgia Department of Agriculture for their dedication to preparing for a potential outbreak and the commitment of thousands of Georgians who depend on the poultry industry.

I am calling on all agencies to work closely with Georgia and implement meaningful measures in coordination with State needs and recommendations. We need to shorten response time, install biosecurity measures, and work to prevent or reduce future outbreaks. We simply cannot wait to act. Steps must be taken now to mitigate damages to this industry that is so vital to the economy in northeast Georgia.

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