Supplementary bird flu funds for Georgia
July 21st, 2006
An additional fund of 6.4 million dollars will be transferred to Georgia’s accounts to help the state prepare for a pandemic of bird flu or other form of influenza. 2.6 millions had already been given to Georgia in February, but extra funds were needed for the preparation effort which is done on a national level. State authorities will be given the chance to work with local communities and help them best prepare for such a pandemic. Late last year, the Congress approved a budget of 350 million dollars for a national plan of testing and developing methods of preventing the appearance of the disease on United States territory. Tamiflu and other flu medications are being stocked by federal authorities. States have to decide until August 1st if they also want to opt for Tamiflu supplies, but Georgia has not made such a decision so far.