Bird flu could have a devastating effect on Virginia's agricultural production.

Broiler chickens and eggs account for sales of $450 million per year, or 21 percent of the state's agricultural commodity production, according to statistics from the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

Virginia ranks ninth in the nation in raising broilers, which are chickens produced for meat, according to 2002 statistics, the most recent available.

About 880 farms raise chickens or produce eggs, and four companies have processing plants, including Perdue, Tyson, Pilgrim's Pride and George's Foods.

Many of the farms and factories are located in the Shenandoah Valley; others are on the Eastern Shore.

About 16 percent of the state's broiler production is shipped overseas to Russia, Mexico, South Korea, Hong Kong and the Caribbean, the Farm Bureau said.

--Ray Reed