With dropping hospitalization rates, improving vaccination rates, and broad access to masks and tests, Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the state can soon move into a less restrictive phase of the COVID-19 response. The lifting of statewide measures does not prohibit local governments from the ability to enact measures in response to COVID-19 activity in their communities.
IN OTHER STATE NEWS....
Bird flu making its way through the U.S.
https://wastatedeptag.blogspot.com/2022/02/bird-flu-making-its-way-through-us.html
If you want to protect your flock from avian influenza, now is the time to get serious about biosecurity.
What started last year with detections of avian influenza abroad, has now entered the United States via the Atlantic Flyway (north-south flyway for migratory birds in the Americas). The disease was first confirmed in wild waterfowl, specifically dabbling ducks, in North and South Carolina.
Last week, USDA has confirmed H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a commercial turkey flock in Indiana. This week detections were seen in a flock of commercial broiler chickens in Fulton County, Kentucky and a backyard flock of mixed species birds in Fauquier County, Virginia.
State and federal officials, as well as the commercial poultry producers continue to react swiftly to contain the disease and establish a Control Area, or quarantine zone. The unified emergency response, epidemiological investigation, and surveillance efforts are in progress.
During routine surveillance by USDA’s Wildlife Services officials detected “Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza” (LPAI) in wild waterfowl in the Pacific Flyway. These waterfowl can carry and spread the virus without appearing sick. While HPAI detections have not been made near Washington yet, it is time to get serious about biosecurity to protect your flock.
The best way to prevent birds from becoming infected is to keep the virus from reaching your birds in the first place. That means learning the signs of infection and practicing good biosecurity. Signs of HPAI infection may include: nasal discharge and sneezing, sudden death (with or without clinical signs), decreased feed or water intake, swollen and or purple colored wattles, combs, and legs, decreased egg production, and more. While there are many elements to biosecurity, here are a few basics.
Limit contact with your birds
Do not allow visitors and animals to have access to your birds. People who work with your birds should not own or be around other birds.
Anyone that must interact with your birds should wear disposable boot covers, rubber boots, or have the ability to clean and disinfect their shoes before and after their visit. During periods of heightened disease risk, bring your birds inside or under cover if at all possible and limit contact with wild waterfowl and their droppings.
Keep it clean
Have dedicated shoes and clothing for handling your birds. In addition, scrub shoes with a scrub brush to remove droppings, mud, and debris before cleaning and disinfecting Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or apply a disinfectant, such as hand sanitizer, before entering your bird area. Disposable latex gloves are another valuable addition to your toolbox and can help prevent the spread of disease.
Don't bring disease home
If you visit a place that has birds or where bird owners may visit, like a feed store, clean and disinfect your vehicle and anything else that travelled with you. Shower and change clothes before visiting your flock.
Keep new birds separate from the flock for at least 30 days and only purchase birds from National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) approved sources. This also applies to any birds that have recently returned from fairs or exhibitions. They may have been exposed to disease while they were away and may look healthy at first.
Don't share equipment, feed, or other items such as cages with other bird owners. If you must share equipment, ensure that it has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected first.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) program has a detailed checklist to enhance your flock’s biosecurity efforts, and other useful tips may be found at the Defend the Flock Resource Center.
Please report any unusual or high rates of illness or death in your flocks to the WSDA Sick Bird Hotline at 1-800-606-3056. Learn more at agr.wa.gov/birdflu
Together, we can keep our birds safe and protected from avian influenza.
30 ways to reduce food waste in Washington
Statewide plan calls for policy changes, investments, and education to create a more resilient food system--DOE
https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/February-2022/30-ways-to-reduce-food-waste-in-Washington
Longview paper mill fined $68,000 for water quality violations
LONGVIEW –
Repeated water quality violations at the North Pacific Paper Company LLC (NORPAC) mill in Longview led to a $68,000 penalty from the Washington Department of Ecology. Pollution above permitted levels can negatively impact human health and the environment. ---DOE
https://ecology.wa.gov/About-us/Who-we-are/News/2022/Feb-16-NORPAC-penalty
A wealth of razor clams on coastal beaches means more tentative digging dates planned this spring.
Inslee appoints Norma Rodriguez to the Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court.
Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the appointment of Norma Rodriguez to the Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court. She will replace Judge Cameron Mitchell, who is retiring on March 11.
Commissioner Hilary Franz Introduces “Watershed Resilience Action Plan” for Salmon Recovery in the Snohomish River Watershed.
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/wrap
FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO DC:
Kilmer, Newhouse Introduce Legislation to Spur Growth in Blue Energy, Create Jobs in Washington
Tacoma, WA – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the Blue Energy Innovation Act – bipartisan legislation which aims to redouble America’s efforts to harness the blue economy and reassert the United States as the global leader in the research and development of blue energy technologies.
Kilmer Calls for Additional Support for Washington’s Local Restaurants
Tacoma, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) joined Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and members of the Washington congressional delegation in a letter to congressional leadership urging them to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) or provide additional financial relief to restaurants in Washington state by any means necessary. Please find the letter text and list of delegation signers here.
Cantwell Says Rising Sea Level Projections Underscore Need for Action on Coastal Resiliency
NOAA-led report projects a century of sea level rise in next 30 years
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation reacted to a NOAA-led report released today which predicts sea levels along the U.S. coastline will rise an additional 10-12 inches by 2050 – as much as we have experienced over the last 100 years. According to the report, sea levels along the Washington state coastline are expected to rise an average of four to six inches, underscoring the need to ensure coastal communities have the resources to build resiliency and adapt to climate change.
Washington State Labor Leader Max Vekich Officially Sworn-In as a Federal Maritime Commissioner
Labor leader and Aberdeen, Washington native was confirmed by the Senate 51-43 last week.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released the following statement after Max Vekich was officially sworn-in as a Federal Maritime Commissioner. The Commission is responsible for regulating agreements between American exporters and the shipping companies that carry their goods to ensure they are fair and competitive.
Senator Murray Helps Pass Bill to Provide Health Care for Post-9/11 Toxic-Exposed Veterans
Earlier this month Senator Murray helped introduce the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act
The bill would expand health care access for Post-9/11 combat veterans, including those suffering from conditions caused by toxic exposures.
WORLD NEWS HEADLINES:
New environmental report offers solutions for ‘triple planetary crisis’
Deadly wildfires, noise pollution and other looming environmental threats could cause widespread ecological damage, and need to be urgently addressed, the UN Environment Program (UNEP) said in a new report published on Thursday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112162
Child sex abuse in Madagascar ‘widespread and tolerated’
In Madagascar, child sex abuse is “widespread and tolerated” in tourist hotspots, UN-appointed rights experts said on Thursday.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112152
Haiti at ‘crossroads’ entering post-earthquake reconstruction.
Haiti is once more at a ‘crossroads’, six months after a devastating earthquake hit the south-west of the country, according to the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/02/1112102
Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield During a Telephonic Background Briefing Before a UN Security Council Meeting on the Minsk Agreements.--USUN
Explanation of Position on Item 15 at the ECOSOC Ad Hoc Plenary Meeting--USUN
https://usun.usmission.gov/explanation-of-position-on-item-15-at-the-ecosoc-ad-hoc-plenary-meeting/
NATIONAL HEADLINES:
Defense Secretary Says U.S. Commitment to NATO Defense 'Ironclad'---DOD
Individual Pleads Guilty to Acting Within the United States on Behalf of Russian Government--DOJ
USDA Announces $50 Million in Grants Awarded to States to Support the Seafood Industry.
Operators of Investment Coaching Scheme Banned from Industry and Ordered to Pay Millions in Redress to Defrauded Consumers--FTC
NEWS STORIES FROM OTHER SOURCES:
VP Harris Finally Focused on Securing the Border. No, Not Ours—Ukraine's.--PJ MEDIA
Put Down the Torch. Pick Up a Book---NATIONAL REVIEW
https://www.nationalreview.com/2022/02/put-down-the-torch-pick-up-a-book/
The CIA Got Caught Spying On Americans Again. It’s Time For Congress To Make Them Stop---THE FEDERALIST
Virginia Schools ‘Not Going to Be Able’ to Keep Mask Mandates, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears Says--DAILY SIGNAL
Pentagon audit says dozens of potentially dangerous Afghans let loose in U.S.--Washington Times
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/feb/18/pentagon-audit-says-dozens-of-potentially-dangerou/
LOCAL MEETINGS:
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:
Clallam County Work session for 2/22/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=1303
Clallam County Board meeting for 2/22/22
https://clallam.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7305
City of Port Angeles Council Meeting for 2/22/22
https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/11208/02222022-Special-Meeting
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting 2/22/22
https://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02222022-574
PASD Board Meeting
When: Thu, February 24, 7pm – 9pm
Where: 905 W 9th St, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
Description
Regular meetings are usually scheduled on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, beginning at 7:00 p.m. All meetings are open to the public. Call 360.565.3702 for information.
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS:
Jefferson County Board meeting for 2/22/22
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/92f9cada-8ab3-4820-bd87-b01ed2a59e47
City of Port Townsend Council meeting for 2/22/22
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=1695
Port of Port Townsend
2nd Monthly Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, February 23, 2022, 5:30 p.m.
https://portofpt.com/event/feb-23-port-commission-meeting/
