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

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

http://www.ISTOCK.COM http://www.bit.ly/gatr117 http://www.bit.ly/gatr117 http://www.bit.ly/centfarm17 http://www.travelpulse.com http://www.allinallgone.com http://www.bit.ly/chase816 http://www.bit.ly/chase816 http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - April 2017