May 17, 2004

USDA Earmarks $11M To Fight Avian Flu In Delmarva

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will spend nearly $11 million to help poultry farmers on the Delmarva Peninsula prevent outbreaks of avian influenza.

The money comes after a March request from lawmakers in Delaware and Maryland who asked Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman to direct funds to help battle the disease.

In February, two flocks of chickens in Delaware were confirmed as having the avian flu. Pockets of the illness have also been found in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

About $10.7 million will be used to battle the flu on the Delmarva Peninsula. Another $2.8 million will be used to battle the disease in Texas.