Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 9/7/15


The Virginia Eastern Shorekeeper organization is hosting a meeting this week to discuss the potential environmental impact of the poultry houses that are prevalent in the area, according to local media reports.

The group is calling the event a “Community Conversation on Chicken Houses.” It is scheduled for Sept. 9 in Melfa, Va.
In its invitation, the Shorekeeper group notes that Accomack County is projected to add 100 houses chicken houses and “Northampton [County is] debating zoning changes that could open the door to poultry expansion,” the report said.

The Shorekeeper organization plans to have information available at the event about public health concerns related to concentrated animal feeding operations, including poultry houses. The information comes from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and from a study done at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the DelMarVa Now news website said.

The group also said that area communities are looking to adopt a “public health Bill of Rights”. Representatives from Tyson Foods Inc. reportedly will be in attendance at the town hall meeting.

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