040209 VA Bans Live Poultry Sales on Eastern ShoreFebruary 13, 2004Virginia agricultural officials barred live poultry shows and sales on the Eastern Shore Friday, citing worries about possible spread of bird-flu found in chickens in Delaware. The indefinite ban affects only the Eastern Shore because its poultry farmers have direct contact with feed and service representatives traveling up and down the Delmarva Peninsula, officials said. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services cautioned Eastern Shore farmers about "mingling" with other poultry producers and said they should refrain from attending public meetings or events, if possible. Farmers statewide also should heed bio-security measures, including limiting access to poultry houses and other areas that contain livestock, the state agency said. Cages and pens used to move birds and other animals should be thoroughly disinfected. The bird-flu strain in Delaware is not known to be harmful to humans.
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