Glickman Announces Increased Funding and New Strategic Efforts to Combat West
Nile Virus in New York
                                                               
                                           Release No.  0092.00
                                                               
                                                               
                                    Susan McAvoy (202) 720-4623
                                          susan.mcavoy@usda.gov

GLICKMAN ANNOUNCES INCREASED FUNDING AND NEW STRATEGIC EFFORTS TO COMBAT WEST
NILE VIRUS IN NEW YORK

     New York, NY, March 21, 2000 -- Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced that USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will
immediately allocate $375,000 for surveillance and diagnostic testing for West
Nile Virus.  Glickman also announced that USDA will strengthen its work with
federal, state and local agencies to combat West Nile Virus.
 
     "The West Nile virus continues to pose a threat to the New York region,"
said Glickman, at an event in New York's Ruppert Park.  "USDA is committed to
taking every step we can to protect human and animal health."

     APHIS has appointed a full time coordinator, Dr. Randy Crom, to work
with Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Geological Survey and state and local
officials to enhance the ability to identify cases of encephalitis in humans
and horses; conduct extensive public information campaigns for New York state
agriculture officials and agriculture industry; monitor and control mosquito
populations; conduct surveillance of chickens and wild birds; and increase
diagnostic capabilities.

     Glickman's visit to New York is the start of his national tour
highlighting the escalating stakes in the battle against unwanted pests and
diseases. His tour will continue to Miami, San Diego and Long Beach,
conducting inspections and briefings on the ongoing fight to protect America's
agriculture and natural resources from pests and diseases.

                               #