DuPont Offers to Assist in Controlling Spread of "Bird Flu" in Delaware and Surrounding Region
Virkon® S Disinfectant Supplies and Biosecurity Control Measures Offered to Help During Time of Need

WILMINGTON, Del.,  February 12, 2004  —  To assist Delaware's agriculture industry and federal and state governments in their efforts against avian flu, DuPont today offered to accelerate efforts to supply a range of disinfectants including DuPont™ Virkon® S to help prevent the "bird flu" from spreading. Also, DuPont has offered to provide biosecurity control expertise, including appropriate measures for vehicle disinfection, farm border controls, and targeted disinfection applications.

"We have offered to federal and state agriculture government officials and industry representatives our unique science expertise, capabilities and willingness to step up efforts during this time of need in our home state," said Nick Fanandakis, vice president and general manager of DuPont Chemical Solutions Enterprise. "We are prepared to both expedite shipment of disinfectant products and provide the 'know-how' of appropriate biosecurity control measures. As part of Delaware for more 200 years, DuPont recognizes the importance of the agricultural industry to our community and surrounding region. We are ready to assist through unique science and technical capabilities."

As a readiness measure, industry and government agencies have participated with DuPont in the past in a broad range of emergency disease control steps. In 2002, Virkon® S disinfectant was used as a preventive measure across the Delmarva Peninsula following an avian influenza outbreak which infected millions of birds in western Virginia.

"Our prior emergency disease control preparedness has been extremely helpful in this response," said Delmarva Poultry Industry Executive Director Bill Satterfield. "More preparedness is less reactiveness. Virkon® S disinfectant is at the top of our list. It is nice to know we have support from DuPont."

Globally regarded as among the most effective antiviral disinfectant agents available, Virkon® S disinfectant, produced by DuPont's Antec International, works as a preventive measure, enhancing sanitary conditions of livestock areas and helping to prevent avian influenza from spreading. During last year's avian influenza outbreak in the Netherlands, Virkon® S was the disinfectant of choice purchased by the Dutch government to help prevent the "bird flu" from spreading. Virkon® S was also used during the 1999 outbreak in Italy.

Last month, DuPont accelerated efforts and increased supplies of Virkon® S disinfectant and biosecurity expertise into the Asia Pacific region following the current avian flu outbreak. Tens of millions of poultry across Asia were infected, prompting the mass slaughter of chickens to contain the virus.

Biosecurity control measures and technical support provided by DuPont would include key preventive measures to minimize the future spread of avian influenza. Biosecurity procedures on farms include appropriate vehicle disinfection, farm border controls, and rigorous disinfection measures.

Part of the DuPont Safety & Protection growth platform, United Kingdom-based Antec International is a leading biosecurity company providing human and animal health emergency disease control. Antec products are used in more than 100 countries to protect humans, animals and food supplies from disease-causing agents such as avian influenza and Foot and Mouth Disease.

DuPont Safety & Protection is focused on finding solutions to protect people, property, operations and the environment by leveraging and expanding 202 years of DuPont experience as one of the safest companies in the world; its recognized excellence in science and technology; and its knowledge of key markets. DuPont is dedicated to using its science and technology to provide environmentally responsible clean and disinfect technologies for the prevention of disease and to improve productivity in the food, healthcare, household, institutional and industrial markets.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

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02/12/04

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