The watershed area of the Pocomoke River houses over 100 million chickens and 60,000 hogs, producing close to 250 million pounds of manure each year, along with bedding litter and the remains of chickens killed in production. Even prior to pfiesteria outbreaks, environmentalists warned of the dangers of large-scale chicken and hog operations. With the emergence of the new threat, Maryland Senator Brian E. Frosh called for a moratorium on the expansion of chicken farms. Unfortunately, the commission charged with investigating the toxic pfiesteria outbreaks voted six to two to reject the ban. Other proposals calling for voluntary limits on waste and government aid are being considered.
Individuals can help by reducing or eliminating their consumption of chicken and pork.
By doing so, even for a short period of time, production would be slowed. If chicken consumption were decreased to the extent that chicken production in Maryland dropped 25 percent, that would mean 15.5 million fewer chickens raised and slaughtered each year. Annual production of raw wastes would decrease by 816 million pounds, cutting the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus that could potentially find its way into the watershed areas by 12 million pounds and 3.4 million pounds, respectively. Replacing chicken and pork with spaghetti, bean and vegetable dishes, and other non-animal foods would also mean less risk for foodborne illness, such as salmonella poisoning, and less fat and cholesterol to contribute to heart attacks and some forms of cancer. The rivers might not be the only things that would regain their vitality.