Georgia agricultural commissioner gives assurance that milk supply is safe

ATLANTA – The confirmation of an avian virus in dairy cattle in Kansas, New Mexico and Texas is not a danger to Georgia dairy consumers, state Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said in a Tuesday statement.

“I want to reassure all Georgians that the situation in Texas has in no way impacted the safety of milk products available in Georgia and, at this time, no cattle in our state have been impacted,” the statement said.

The assurance came after the confirmed detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in samples from dairy cattle herds in Kansas, New Mexico and Texas.

“Georgians can and should feel confident that the milk products in their local grocery store are safe and wholesome, and this situation does not present a threat to public health at present,” Harper’s statement said.

Harper’s office is working with a number of state and federal agencies to boost biosecurity measures and share information.

Staff Photo