11/26/02
Despite concerns following the avian influenza outbreak in Virginia, there will be plenty of turkey for holiday tables.
“We will have no problem at all,” said Hobey Bauhan, president of the Virginia Poultry Federation. “We have an ample supply, and retail prices are expected to be less than last year.”
This year, more than 3.7 million birds were put down following an outbreak of avian influenza in the state. Turkeys made up 2.5 million of those birds. Although Virginia is the fourth largest turkey-producing state in the nation, many fresh or frozen turkeys are imported into the Commonwealth from other states. According to the USDA , the average price for turkies in October was $1.06 per pound.