May 6, 2014
Ernesto McConnell
Reporter
Headlines
Seven years ago, an outbreak of avian flu at a single Virginia farm lead to a Chinese ban on Virginia poultry. On Monday, China lifted the ban, and—according to Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D)—may boost the state’s exports of poultry by $20 million. The ban was set in 2007, when turkeys on Virginia farm tested positive for a “low pathogenic” strain of avian flu. Gov. McAuliffe, as well as Virginia’s congressional delegation, has been working directly with Chinese officials in hope of opening China’s ever-growing market to Virginia’s poultry farmers. “Exporting more Virginia poultry products means more economic growth and real jobs here at home,” McAuliffe said.