Georgia Magazine - April 2017 - 8
COMPILED BY JENNIFER J. HEWETT * Great destination! Georgia was named to National Geographic Traveler magazine's 21 "Best of the World" destinations for 2017. The state was lauded for its live music available year-round, outdoor festivals and musical talent. The magazine's annual list appeared in the December 2016/January 2017 issue. BETH MCMILLAN * Georgian of the Year. Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black was named Georgia Trend 's 2017 Georgian of the Year for his leadership in making agriculture, the state's largest industry, such a success and for his vision for the Georgia Grown branding program. Read more at bit.ly/ gatr117. * Centennial Farms. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is seeking working farms that have been in operation for at least 100 years as part of the Georgia Centennial Farm Program. Visit bit.ly/centfarm17 for info or to apply. Applications are due by May 1. * Best airport. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world's busiest airport, was ranked No. 1 on the 100 best U.S. airports list by travelpulse.com. Airports were rated based on ease of navigation; how modern and comfortable the terminal is; the numbers of amenities available and airlines served; and business- and family-friendliness. * Rookie of the Year. Congratulations to Chase Elliott, named NASCAR Sunoco 2016 Rookie of the Year. The winner is chosen based on a scoring system for highest finishes in each race, attempts to qualify for races and favorable conduct with officials and the media. Elliott received a $50,000 bonus for winning the award. [For more about Elliott, see "Like father, like son," August 2016 issue, page 16; bit.ly/ chase816.] 8 Help guard against avian flu, protect Georgia's poultry industry ISTOCK.COM / BUHANOVSKIY Georgia glimpses W ith a confirmed case of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as bird flu, in a commercial chicken flock in Lincoln County, Tenn., last month, officials with the Georgia Poultry Federation and the Georgia Department of Agriculture are asking Georgians to step up their efforts to protect the state's poultry industry. Avian flu, which can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese and guinea fowl), is carried by freeflying waterfowl, such as ducks, geese and shorebirds-even ones that do not appear to be sick. To reduce the risk of the spread of the disease, officials are asking the public to avoid contact with wild birds, especially waterfowl. This includes places where wild bird droppings might be present. In addition, all bird owners, including backyard enthusiasts and commercial poultry producers, should implement the following measures to protect their birds: * Restrict access to your property and birds. * Keep your hands, feet and equipment clean. * Buy birds only from reputable sources. More online at www.georgiamagazine.org Georgia is the nation's No. 1 poultry-producing state, so the spread of avian influenza could have severe consequences not only to Georgia's poultry farmers and processors but also to the state economy and domestic food supply. * Do not share equipment with neighbors who have poultry. * Know the signs of avian influenza. Common symptoms in birds include severe dehydration, swelling around the eyes, cyanotic (bluish) wattle, drastic decline in egg production and sudden death. * Report sick birds immediately. * Avoid contact with sick or dead poultry or wildlife. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and birds. Visit allinallgone.com for more information, or call (855) 491-1432 for general information or to report a suspected case of avian flu. GEORGIA MAGAZINE