MEDIA ADVISORY:

USDA to Host Public Meetings on Plum Island Animal Disease Center

Plum Island Research Mission

Sample of Plum Island research: "African Swine Fever Poses a Risk to U.S. Hogs."
--From Agricultural Research magazine. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8--The U.S. Department of Agriculture will host public meetings in New York and Connecticut during the week of Nov. 15 to inform people about the mission and scientific activities of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center.

USDA officials at the public meetings will discuss ongoing programs at Plum Island and safety procedures in place on the island. The 840-acre island is located off Orient Point, N.Y., at the northeastern tip of Long Island.

WHAT: New York Public Meeting on Plum Island Animal Disease Center
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
WHERE: American Legion Hall, Third Street, Greenport, N.Y.

WHAT: Connecticut Public Meeting on Plum Island Animal Disease Center
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
WHERE: Oswegatchie Elementary School, 470 Boston Post Road, Waterford, Conn.

Contact: Sean Adams, Information Staff, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Md., telephone (301) 504-1622, sadams@asrr.arsusda.gov.