USDA Opens New Poultry Research Facility in Georgia
The new facility expands federal capacity to respond to highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Life Sciences
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture opened a new facility for the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in Georgia during a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the U.S. National Poultry Research Center. The laboratory is part of the center and will house the largest number of poultry researchers and staff in the United States.
Why it matters
The facility will increase laboratory staff capabilities to respond to highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks and support research aimed at eradication and control. Georgia's role as a poultry research hub places the state at the center of federal efforts to protect the nation's poultry supply.
The facility will be the largest poultry research site for staff and researchers in the United States, according to the announcement. The source does not provide a specific headcount or budget figure for the new space.
The players
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The federal agency responsible for agricultural research, food safety, and animal health programs across the country, including poultry disease monitoring.
Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young
USDA Undersecretary for Research, Education, and Economics and USDA chief scientist, overseeing the department's scientific research agenda.
U.S. National Poultry Research Center
A USDA research center in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, that houses the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory and conducts federal poultry disease research.
The details
The facility was opened during a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the U.S. National Poultry Research Center in Athens-Clarke County. Speakers included USDA Undersecretary for Research, Education, and Economics Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, who also serves as USDA chief scientist.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: USDA holds the ceremony opening the new poultry research facility in Georgia.
Life Sciences Context
The Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory has already developed the molecular test used in the United States and globally to diagnose avian influenza and Newcastle disease, along with vaccines for emergency and commercial use. The expansion builds directly on that track record of diagnostic and vaccine development at the U.S. National Poultry Research Center.
Poultry producers and consumers in Georgia benefit from faster federal diagnostic and vaccine capacity during avian influenza outbreaks. Keeping flocks healthy protects the supply and prices of chicken and eggs statewide.
The takeaway
Stronger federal poultry research capacity in Georgia means quicker detection and control of avian influenza, which can limit disruption to flocks and food supplies. Residents can follow USDA updates on poultry disease to stay informed about outbreak conditions.
Further reading
Explore more Life Sciences coverage to see how poultry disease research fits into broader biological science efforts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Feedstuffs.
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