Georgia Department of Agriculture Emergency Management: Response Plan for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Open Access

Swanson, Jacob (2016)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/s4655g77r?locale=en
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Abstract

Background: Preventing the introduction of avian influenza into the State of Georgia and reducing mortality and economic impact should it enter the state, have become top priorities of the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA). The recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) across twenty-one states in the U.S during 2014-2015 served as a catalyst for the creation of the HPAI response plan for the State of Georgia, the nation's largest producer of broilers.

Objective: The objective of this special study project was to develop a response plan to effectively combat highly pathogenic avian influenza in the State of Georgia.

Methods: The Georgia Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) Response Plan, USDA Secure Broiler Supply Plan, and USDA APHIS HPAI Response Plan were the main documents used to build the HPAI response plan for Georgia. Information was gathered by listening to subject matter experts, attending weekly meetings at the GDA with government staff and potential responders, and reviewing documents produced by the USDA, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and various other states that have faced an outbreak of HPAI.

Results: Support documents, such as Mission Ready Packages, job descriptions for specific response duties, and workshop training materials for animal parks and special avian collections were created to supplement the HPAI response plan. The final result of the project consists of a combined LPAI and HPAI response plan for the State of Georgia.

Discussion: The development and creation of the LPAI and HPAI response plan is one strategic tool to protect the health of the billions of chickens produced in the state every year, and the people and industry that care for them. A single case of HPAI detected in the State of Georgia could have global implications, resulting in a decreased food supply for countries that ban imports of U.S. poultry products. The Georgia Department of Agriculture strives to protect the health of the State's poultry industry, and through dedicated efforts and the creation of the LPAI and HPAI response plan, they are meeting this challenge.

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction. 1

1.1 Overview of 2014-2015 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreak. 2

1.2 Economic Impact of Broiler Production in Georgia. 4

1.3 United States Broiler Exports. 5

1.4 Trade and Economic Implications as a result of the 2014-2015 HPAI Outbreak. 6

1.5 Biology of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. 8

1.6 Laboratory Confirmation of HPAI. 10

1.7 Biosecurity Practices. 11

2.0 Methodology. 11

2.1 Creating the HPAI Response Plan. 12

2.2 Supporting Documents to the HPAI Response Plan. 14

2.2.1 HPAI Group Leader Job Descriptions. 14

2.2.2 Mission Ready Packages. 15

2.2.3 Biosecurity Presentations. 15

2.3 Updating the HPAI Response Plan. 16

3.0 Results. 16

3.1 HPAI Preparedness Workshop for Animal Parks & Special Collections. 18

4.0 Discussion. 18

5.0 Public Health Implications. 20

References. 22

Appendix A: LPAI and HPAI Response Plan for the State of Georgia. 25

Appendix B: Agenda for HPAI Preparedness Workshop for Animal Parks & Special Collections. 33

Appendix C: HPAI Group Supervisor Job Descriptions. 34

Appendix D: HPAI Mission Ready Packages. 40

Appendix E: HPAI Biosecurity Powerpoint Presentation. 44

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