ATLANTA — The International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) announced over the weekend that it will proceed as planned, holding its annual exhibition and trade show, following some uncertainty that arose with the report of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detected in Georgia.
On Jan. 17, the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed a positive case of HPAI in a commercial poultry operation in Elbert County, Ga., affecting approximately 45,000 broiler breeders. The detection was the first in a commercial flock in Georgia since the onset of the outbreak in 2022 and the fifth overall detection in the state.
Once the case was confirmed, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper ordered a suspension of all in-state poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets and sales, effective immediately until further notice. Additionally, all commercial poultry operations within a 10 km radius have been placed under a quarantine and surveillance for at least two weeks.
“This is a serious threat to Georgia’s No. 1 industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Georgians who make their living in our state’s poultry industry,” Harper said. “We are working around the clock to mitigate any further spread of the disease and ensure that normal poultry activities in Georgia can resume as quickly as possible.”
While the suspension is still in place, Harper confirmed that IPPE may continue as planned, as it does not pose a risk of HPAI spreading through live birds.
“After reviewing the programming scheduled for IPPE and confirming that no live birds will be present at the Expo, we have determined that none of the programming at IPPE could be considered a ‘suspended’ activity,” Harper wrote to Nath Morris, president of the US Poultry & Egg Association. “As such, we look forward to having IPPE proceed as scheduled, and I look forward to joining you and the many others at the Expo which will showcase the future of the poultry industry.”
IPPE show organizers noted that the event regularly adheres to biosecurity protocols and encourages attendees to take advantage of the measures that will be in place at the Georgia World Congress Center, such as foot cleaning mats and hand sanitizer stations.
The show partners recommended attendees remain free from contact with poultry, pigs and other livestock for a minimum of three to five days before visiting IPPE. They also recommend ensuring that any vehicles that have been on a farm be cleaned and disinfected before driving to the trade show.
“We are pleased that the 2025 IPPE will continue as planned and will do our part to be good partners in our efforts to curb the virus, adhering to our biosecurity preparedness plans,” said IPPE show organizers.