Learning in Delaware

Romanians visit Del. to learn from bird flu experts
By LULADEY B. TADESSE, The News Journal
Posted Monday, November 13, 2006 at 11:40 am

Fifteen senior policymakers from Romania are visiting Delaware this week to participate in a nine-day training program on managing avian influenza outbreaks.

The Romanian group, which includes representatives from the government, poultry industry and academia, will spend most of its time with avian flu experts from the University of Delaware and Delaware Technical & Community College campuses in Georgetown.

In May, Romanian veterinarian authorities confirmed more than 80 outbreaks of the H5N1 virus infection in domestic fowl in 12 districts of the country, according to the World Health Organization. So far, no human cases have been confirmed, but Romanian officials are requesting assistance in controlling the disease.

UD and DelTech have formed the Delmarva International Poultry Partnership, which is focused on providing technical assistance to members of the international community faced with bird flu. Delaware is recognized worldwide for its expertise in bird flu prevention after its successful control of an outbreak in 2004.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded UD and Del Tech a total of $424,000 for the Romanian project.

In the past, other groups from abroad, including one from Kosovo, have come to Delaware to learn about bird flu prevention.

The Romanian delegation will be in Sussex County through Nov. 20.
Contact Luladey B. Tadesse at 324-2789 or ltadesse@delawareonline.com.