Link Source: WSDA
OLYMPIA – On the heels of this spring’s wild bird migration, Washington state veterinarians confirmed the state’s 16th county, and 42nd flock infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) today, February 10.
A Benton County flock owner reported the sudden death of multiple birds in their small domestic flock earlier this week. The National Veterinarian Services Laboratory (NVSL) confirmed HPAI H5N1 results early this morning.
In an effort to mitigate cases, Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is reminding flock owners of the domestic sick bird online reporting tool. 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.
Washington State Veterinarian Dr. Amber Itle says bird owners should continue taking extra biosecurity measures.
“The risk of our domestic and commercial poultry being exposed to and contracting HPAI remains high,” Dr. Itle said. “Suspending outdoor access in flocks where there is a risk of wild bird interactions is still recommended, as well as enhancing biosecurity, covering outdoor runs, etc.”
Enhanced biosecurity can protect flocks and preserve a farm from diseases, like HPAI. Flock owners are encouraged to take measures such as proper cleaning and disinfection and covering coops to protect from waterfowl introductions of the virus.
“At this time, it is difficult to predict how long these extra precautions will be necessary over the next few months,” Dr. Itle added.
After a confirmed detection, state and federal animal health officials monitor flocks for HPAI symptoms within a 10-kilometer 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 seek to contact every flock owner in a surveillance area to check on the health of their flock; self-reporting allows a veterinarian to make phone contact to discuss biosecurity and symptom monitoring advice without having to make in-person contact.
State veterinarians say the biggest risk factor to date is direct contact with wild waterfowl. Since May 5, 2022, when the WSDA announced the first Washington case, all infected flocks had contact with wild waterfowl.
“The most common risk factor for infection is proximity to water sources or ponds where wild waterfowl congregate; increasing environmental viral load and risk of transmission to domestic flocks,” Dr. Itle added.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife continues to report increasing numbers of cases in wild birds and detections in three raccoons and most recently, a bobcat. While the risk of avian influenza is always present from interactions with wild waterfowl in the Pacific flyway, spring migration in the next four to six weeks may present an additional challenge.
WSDA resources for flock owners to learn about bird flu and protect their flocks include a bird flu webpage, an interactive map, 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.
IN OTHER STATE NEWS HEADLINES
Ecology invites comment on updates to toxic cleanup regulations.--DOE
WDFW invites public participation in annual salmon season-setting process.
State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers. --DOH
Clallam County
In December 2022 the secretary of health revoked the home care aide license of Joshua Lee McFarland (HM60840191). McFarland entered a stipulated order of continuance for dismissal in Clallam County District court. The order included charges of assault and malicious mischief involving a vulnerable adult in his care.
Commissioner Franz Urges House to Pass Carbon Credit Bill--DNR
Washington should be able to generate revenue from the carbon stored in its public lands, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz told the state House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Tuesday.
2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
KILMER, MCMORRIS RODGERS REINTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO HONOR VIETNAM VETERANS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to award Dustoff crews of the Vietnam War with the Congressional Gold Medal. Dustoff crewmembers – helicopter air ambulance pilots, crew chiefs, and medics – performed aeromedical evacuation of over 900,000 U.S., Vietnamese, and allied forces from May 1962 to March 1973.
KILMER, MOORE, LANKFORD REINTRODUCE THE BIPARTISAN RETAIN SKILLED VETERANS ACT TO PERMANENTLY REPEAL THE “180-DAY RULE”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Blake Moore (UT-01) and U.S. Senator James Lankford (OK) announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan Retain Skilled Veterans Act, legislation to permanently remove the existing requirement for retired military members to submit a waiver to work as a civilian employee at the Department of Defense within 180 days of their retirement or separation for positions at the GS-13 level or below.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers May Be Responsible for Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Costs, a “Life or Death Matter,” Says Cantwell
Seattle pharmacist who shuttered Eastlake location: “There’s obviously no way that a business could operate with these predatory and unpredictable fees.”
Cantwell Calls on FAA Leader to Strengthen Internal Systems & Increase Redundancy During Commerce Committee Hearing
Hearing examined Jan. 11 shutdown of FAA’s Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system that grounded 1,300 flights nationwide; Cantwell: “I want to get an answer within a week about the NOTAM system having a separate backup.”
Murray Outlines How House Republicans’ Proposed Funding Cuts Would Hurt American Families and Make Us Less Safe.
Murray Discusses How Key Reforms She Delivered Will Help Protect Consumers from Unsafe Cosmetics.
3) WORLD & NATIONAL NEWS
WORLD:
UN launches $1 billion appeal to scale-up aid operations in Türkiye.
The United Nations on Thursday launched a $1 billion appeal for Türkiye to assist more than five million people affected by the cataclysmic earthquakes last week, the largest to hit the country in a century.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s Interview with Marco Werman on PRX’s “The World”
Opening Special Decolonization Committee’s Annual Session, Secretary-General Stresses Voices, Concerns of Non-Self-Governing Territories Must Be Heard ‘Loud and Clear’
Committee Members Elect Bureau, Approve 2023 Workplan as Incoming Chair Rallies Delegates to ‘Take Innovative Steps’
Joint Statement of the United States of America and U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Counterterrorism Working Group--US STATE DEPT.
NATIONAL
Made in America Policies and New Technical Standards Support the Future of the Electric Vehicle Charging Industry, --WH
Leaders Outline Agency's Role in DOD Additive Manufacturing Capabilities--DOD
United States Files Complaint Against Illegal Robocall Telemarketers and Telecommunications Service Providers--DOJ
FDA Advances Additional Activities to Prevent Drug Overdoses and Reduce Death--FDA
4) BUSINESS
Treasury Releases Information on Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax--US TREASURY
Welcome Remarks
Governor Lisa D. Cook
At the Sadie Collective Research Reception, Washington, D.C.
FTC Sues to Stop Interconnected Web of VoIP Service Providers Carrying Robocalls Pitching Phony Debt Relief Services
Millions of consumers received illegal robocalls and other unwanted communications pitching debt relief scams--FTC
Manager of Key West Labor Staffing Companies Sentenced for Immigration and Employment Tax Fraud
A Florida man was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for conspiring to harbor non-resident aliens and induce them to remain in the country and conspiring to defraud the IRS.--DOJ
5) LOCAL MEETINGS
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS
Clallam County Commission work session for 2/21/23
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02212023-726
Clallam County Commission regular meeting for 2/21/23
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02212023-727
City of Port Angeles Council meeting for 2/21/23
https://www.cityofpa.us/DocumentCenter/View/12748/CC-Agenda-Packet-02212023
PUD SPECIAL MEETING FOR 2/21/23
https://clallampud.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2-21-23-Special-Meeting-Agenda.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY MEETINGS
Jefferson County Commission Meeting for 2/21/23
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/c8cf3ae7-7e15-4e58-b415-cc1bce76647a
PORT TOWNSEND CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA for 2/21/23
https://cityofpt.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=4&event_id=3107
Port of Port Townsend meeting for 2/22/23
https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-02-22-CommMtg-Agenda.pdf
Weekly devotional
BIBLE VERSE: Romans 8:38-39 (New King James Version)
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Weekly Bible Study
The Extra Catholic Books, by Donald P. Ames
'Many today are sadly lacking in information as to the extra books found in the Catholic Bible and just exactly how they got there. Many Catholics sincerely wonder why and how we can say we have the Bible and yet do not include these extra books which are obviously to be found in theirs.'
Free bible studies (WBS)
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
The Chosen: About the life of Christ
This Week's Videos:
Yes, We’re in a Cold War with China: The Playbook to Take Down the US EXPOSED | Ep 252
"Did the Chinese spy balloon incident FINALLY wake up Washington? A recently leaked memo from the head of the U.S. Mobility Command came with a startling statement. The Air Force general said that he believes we will be AT WAR with China in just two years. As scary as that sounds, Glenn argues that we’ve been at war with China FOR DECADES — it's just that China has been the only one fighting it. As each decade goes by, Chinese governments have been getting bolder and bolder while WE pretend nothing is happening. Glenn reveals the playbook the Chinese military have used to wage a cold war on our country … in their OWN WORDS. It involves Hollywood, drugs, the media, technology, the economy … EVERYTHING. For the Chinese Communist Party, no strategy is out of bounds. It is ALL happening now, while we watch from the sidelines. Glenn speaks to Richard Grenell, former acting director of national intelligence under Trump, who warns that our intelligence community has a crisis on its hands. Grenell says the Biden admin was caught flat-footed and both Democrats and Republicans are concerned that Biden’s director of national intelligence, Avril Haines, is NOT being transparent with committee members in classified meetings."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGkLuFH5FDU
Spot light Stories
The real digital pirates.
Many fall victims to these digital thugs, including me! Here are some stories on the subject--Peter Ripley
The Port Angeles Globe is a weekly Publication, every Saturday-- Publisher, Peter Ripley
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