Link Source: https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=35821
Officials advise S.A.F.E. action plan to keep birds healthy
OLYMPIA – With the fall migration underway across the nation, Washington state is preparing for an uptick in highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases. Veterinarians predict newly infected wild birds will join the already infected, resident wild waterfowl populations: increasing the risk of transmission to backyard flocks.
With 34 flocks infected this year, state officials at the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) urge bird owners to continue their dedication to enhanced biosecurity efforts.
State Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle says this fall flock owners should focus on keeping wild waterfowl away from domestic birds. The best way to protect flocks is to stay “S.A.F.E.”
Self-report –high numbers of sick or dead birds and report the health of your birds if located nearby an infected flock.
Avoid contact with migratory waterfowl
Fence birds out of shared water sources/ ponds
Eliminate outdoor feeders, especially at night
In addition to the added safety measures, flock owners can use the domestic sick bird online reporting tool to report sick or dead domestic birds online. The online tool complements the existing WSDA sick bird reporting hotline as well as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online reporting tool for wild birds.
Dr. Itle says bird owners should expect the need to continue taking extra biosecurity measures through the fall.
“There is clear evidence that the virus did not re-assort to a less pathogenic form. That’s what we were hoping for, but it didn’t happen,” Dr. Itle added. “So far this month there have been new detections along the northern border in our country, indicating that migrating waterfowl will continue to spread the virus through the fall.”
Be ready for fall. More birds = more virus.
“Once it starts raining and standing water returns and pond fill back up, the problem will be exasperated when the water attracts wild birds,” Dr. Itle added.
After a detection, state and federal animal health officials monitor for HPAI symptoms in flocks within a 10 kilometers surveillance zone around the detection site. Flock owners in a surveillance zone are encouraged to self-report the health of their birds using the online surveillance self-reporting tool.
State veterinarians say the biggest risk factor to date is direct contact with wild waterfowl. Since May 5, when the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) announced the first Washington case, all 34 infected flocks have had contact with wild waterfowl.
What can I do?
Veterinarians also continue to recommend avoiding bringing birds to fairs, exhibitions, poultry auctions, and on-farm sales.
WSDA resources for flock owners to learn about bird flu and protect their flocks include a bird flu webpage, an interactive map, frequently asked questions, a Facebook group, and biosecurity precautions when resuming exhibitions.
If your flock experiences sudden death or illness of multiple birds, use the new online reporting tool or call WSDA’s Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056.
Birds that have already died should be double-bagged and kept in a cooler on ice until WSDA veterinarians can arrange for sampling. Sick or dead wild birds should not be touched or moved and can be reported using the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online reporting tool.
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/5e0bb3eaf3ae44b69cf6dcf34e89524e
IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES
Update from the Nordics: Celebrating collaboration with Finland.
Commerce invests additional $26.6 million to strengthen affordable housing development.
Ecology grant brings big changes to Little Naches River.
Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation
Celebrating Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month.
WDFW plans prescribed fires, dependent on conditions, on Eastern Washington wildlife areas.
State disciplines health care providers.
Commissioner of Public Lands Expresses Gratitude for Volunteers on National Public Lands Day.
Washington residents can visit state-managed lands for free on Saturday, Sept. 24
CELEBRATE NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY ON SEPTEMBER 24 ON STATE-MANAGED LANDS
(2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
KILMER EARNS NATIONAL AWARD FOR WORK TO PROMOTE CIVILITY
Pangborn Airport Receives $10 Million Grant from Cantwell-Championed Federal Fund
(3) WORLD NEWS HEADLINES
War crimes have been committed in Ukraine conflict, top UN human rights inquiry reveals...
Half of Sudan’s most vulnerable children could die without aid...
Canada braces for Hurricane Fiona after a week of lashing wind and rain in Caribbean...
Ukraine refugees: Eager to work but need greater support...
Russian Mobilization May Be Reinforcing Failure in Ukraine--DOD
(4) NATIONAL & BUSINESS NEWS
Austin Pledges to 'Ease the Load' for Service Members--DOD
Many Children with Sickle Cell Anemia Not Receiving Lifesaving Screening and Treatment--CDC
CDC announces $90M funding to support Pathogen Genomics Centers of Excellence (PGCoE) network
New FDA Draft Guidance Aims to Protect Children who Participate in Clinical Trials.
HUD CHARGES MINNESOTA HOUSING PROVIDER WITH DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION
BUSINESS NEWS HEADLINES.
5 Trends for Business: Untangling Global Challenges
Two Men Plead Guilty in $30 Million Foreign Exchange Fraud Scheme
Spot impersonator scams and share what you know--FTC
(5) IN FOCUS!
Senator Murray Introduces New Bill To Help Hanford Workers Access Care for Beryllium Exposure
The Beryllium Testing Fairness Act would amend the law to be in line with the latest science and count three “borderline” results as evidence to receive a diagnosis of beryllium sensitivity and allow more people to access care.
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Beryllium Testing Fairness Act, new legislation that will help more Hanford workers and nuclear weapons complex workers across the country—both past and present—access care for diseases caused by beryllium exposure.
Currently, federal laws place overly burdensome proof of illness requirement on nuclear weapons complex workers, preventing many workers from getting the care they need for diseases caused by beryllium exposure. Senator Murray’s bill would update these testing requirements consistent with the latest science to ensure that more workers dealing with health issues caused by beryllium exposure receive the benefits they need and deserve.
“Hanford workers are doing important work every single day at the Hanford site—and it’s absolutely unacceptable that any of them would be denied the care they need for beryllium exposure just because the current is based on outdated science. But right now, that’s the painful reality for too many workers—and I’m determined to make this right,” said Senator Murray. “The Beryllium Testing Fairness Act will expand access to care for diseases caused by beryllium exposure, ensuring that more workers who are facing health issues can get the benefits they need and deserve. This bill is critically important to the health and well-being of workers at Hanford and across the country, so I’m committed to getting it across the finish line as soon as possible.”
“For nearly thirteen years I’ve worked at Hanford and I’m very proud of the important work we do. One of the hazards workers face at Hanford is exposure to the toxic metal beryllium. Because of this risk my blood was drawn for a test – the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test – and received three borderline results, which medical experts on beryllium consider beryllium sensitization,” said Aaron Burt, Hanford worker. “Two years later, my doctor found a granuloma in my lungs and diagnosed me with chronic beryllium disease. Despite a diagnosis by my doctors of beryllium sensitization and chronic beryllium disease, I have not received federal benefits for either condition under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Act (EEOICPA). Senator Murray’s legislation would change that and I strongly support the Beryllium Testing Fairness Act. I don’t want any other worker to have to deal with the frustration I have had of dealing not only with a medical disease but also being denied the benefits we deserve.”
“For years now, research studies conducted by National Jewish Health and others have shown that three borderline beryllium lymphocyte proliferation tests (BeLPTs) confirms a diagnosis of beryllium sensitization and indicates a risk for developing chronic beryllium disease,” said Dr. Lisa Maier, Chief of the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences at National Jewish Health. “These individuals have been exposed to beryllium as they’ve worked to protect our nation’s security. We are extremely grateful that Senator Murray and others are working to forward this important legislation to help get appropriate care and compensation to those impacted workers.”
“Occupational exposure to beryllium is a serious threat to workers, including those involved in the production and cleanup of our nation’s nuclear weapons. Fortunately, these workers can receive medical care and benefits through the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Act (EEOICPA). The BeLPT is a test that detects whether workers have developed beryllium sensitization, which puts them at risk for developing chronic beryllium disease (CBD),” said Dr. Lee Newman, beryllium disease expert and Distinguished Professor, Director of the Center for Health, Work & Environment at the Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado. “I strongly support Senator Murray’s legislation, which reflects our updated medical and scientific understanding that EEOICPA’s definition of BeLPT should be updated. CBD is a serious disease with no cure, but early detection can help slow its progression. This legislation will help workers receive the timely care they deserve.”
“Workplace exposure to toxic substances for workers is deeply personal to me. My personal experience with beryllium exposure, my background as an advocate and workforce representative, allows me to help minimize exposures for all workers,” said Calin Tebay, worker and health advocate. “This also allows me to help current and former workers, and their families, get access, education, and care they deserve. For nearly 12 years, I have worked with colleagues and medical professionals across the country with a shared goal of creating consistent, accurate, and up to date diagnosis criteria for beryllium-related disease and conditions. Updating the Department of Labor’s diagnosis criteria for beryllium sensitization to ensure workers exposed to this toxic metal and diagnosed with this condition, can and will receive the care they need. I strongly support the Beryllium Testing Fairness Act and appreciate Senator Murray for listening to and working with the Hanford workers, medical experts, and many others and taking on this important issue.”
“I began working at Hanford in the early ‘70s and spent nearly my entire career at the Hanford site. As a quality control engineer, I worked all over the site, inspecting work to ensure it was done up to standard. What we didn’t know at the time were the risks that workers faced from substances like beryllium,” said Charles Towne, retired Hanford worker. “I received borderline test results on the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT). Luckily, I continued to receive medical monitoring for progression to chronic beryllium disease, but I know not all workers with borderline test results are as fortunate as I am. My doctors would later diagnose me with chronic beryllium disease. I support Senator Murray’s bill to ensure current and former workers at sites like Hanford and around the country receive the benefits and medical care they deserve and need.”
For decades, beryllium was used to cap nuclear fuel rods, including at the Hanford site. Beryllium is a toxic metal and exposure can cause “beryllium sensitization,” an immune response that puts one at risk of developing the lung disease Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD). In advanced forms, CBD can lead to scarring of the lungs and is incurable. While no cure currently exists for CBD, early treatment can help slow the development of the disease. Currently, the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Act (EEOICPA), through which Hanford workers dealing with issues stemming from their exposure to beryllium receive care and benefits.
As the law is currently written, someone must present one abnormal blood beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) as evidence of beryllium sensitization to obtain medical monitoring benefits for progression to chronic beryllium disease. An abnormal BeLPt blood test and evidence of lung disease is needed as evidence of chronic beryllium disease in order to receive benefits and care for this illness through the EEOICPA. Many workers or former workers, however, receive “borderline” test results for years while they begin to develop CBD and may never get the “abnormal” result at all. Despite evolving science on the relationship between borderline test results and beryllium sensitization, the law does not address borderline test results. The Beryllium Testing Fairness Act would amend the EEOICPA to count three “borderline” results as evidence to receive a diagnosis of beryllium sensitivity. This provision would apply to former, current, and future workers so no one would face unfair barriers to care. This expanded definition for beryllium sensitivity is based on updated medical and scientific understanding of BeLPT, beryllium sensitization and CBD. The expanded definition has already been adopted by federal OSHA, Washington state Labor and Industries, and National Jewish Hospital in Denver – the latter considered among the foremost experts in the world in BeLPT and diagnosis and treatment of CBD. DOL’s independent Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health has also called for this change.
The Beryllium Testing Fairness Act would also extend the Department of Labor’s Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health for five more years, through 2029. The Board is charged with advising the Secretary of Labor on matters relating to workplace safety for workers onsite with toxic substances and is instrumental in helping improve the federal compensation process for workers, including those at Hanford, to gain the health care and benefits they deserve. This legislation is supported by the Hanford Worker Engagement Center, American Thoracic Society, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Jewish Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Colorado, and the Center for Health, Work & Environment, Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Colorado.
Senator Murray has led the fight in Congress to secure funding for the cleanup at the Hanford, protect workers, and support the Tri-Cities communities. Earlier this summer, she secured an unprecedented increase in President Biden’s budget request for Hanford site cleanup, putting that request at $2.613 billion for FY2023.
In the FY2022 government funding package, Senator Murray secured $2.595 billion for the Hanford site cleanup—notably, this was $128 million above the President’s Budget Request. As she negotiates funding for the fiscal 2023 budget, Senator Murray is fighting to build on the previous budget’s funding and the increased request by the President will be critical as she seeks to secure the strongest possible funding for the Hanford site cleanup. The President’s revised budget request came only after Murray’s strong urging and public exchanges with Secretary Granholm and OMB Budget Director Shalanda Young.
In March 2021, Senator Murray reintroduced and is currently fighting to pass the Toxic Exposure Safety Act which would make it easier for workers at the Hanford site and other nuclear clean-up sites to receive the full benefits they’re entitled to when suffering from illnesses due to toxic exposure on the job.
(6)
LOCAL MEETINGS
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS.
Clallam County work session for 9/26/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1334
Clallam County Board meeting for 9/27/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7336
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 9/27/22
https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09272022-624
City of Sequim Council meeting for 9/26/22
https://www.sequimwa.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2690
City of Forks Council meeting for 9/26/22
https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Agenda-20220926.pdf
Clallam County PUD for 9/26/22
https://clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/9-26-22-WEB-Packet.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 9/26/22
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/46eff28d-5680-487e-a8ee-582d08eece76
EDITORS NOTE: Starting Monday Sept. 26th I'll be staying at the Red Lion Inn for five weeks while my apartment gets renovated. I hope I can still be able to publish this paper while there.--Peter Ripley
Weekly devotional
BIBLE VERSE: Hebrews 10:35-36 (New King James Version)
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
Weekly Bible Study
On Using the Bible to Prove the Bible, by Doy Moyer
The charge is sometimes made against biblical apologists that they just use the Bible to prove the Bible.
http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVarticles/OnUsingTheBibleToProveTheBIble.html
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
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The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
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This Week's Video:
It SHOULDN'T have taken THIS for Democrats, media to FINALLY care about the border crisis
32,465 views Sep 23, 2022 Comedian Jamie Kilstein has undergone quite the transformation over the past few years, from being surrounded by liberals who have abandoned him to realizing conservatives are much more "open-minded." So, he wasn't surprised by how quickly the rich leftist residents of Martha's Vineyard shipped out the illegal immigrants Gov. Ron DeSantis sent over. Jamie gives his take on that hypocrisy, as well as the why he believes "nuance shouldn't be edgy"...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k_pTORlrGY
HEADLINES FROM OTHER SOURCES:
Grocery Shop With Me To Fact-Check Biden’s Inflation Up ‘Hardly At All’ Claim--The Federalist
Who Gets Hurt From High Gas and Diesel Prices? There’s More Harm Than You Think.--Daily Signal
Biden Whispered to Himself as Handlers Herded Press Out - Now We Know What He Said--WJ
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