Latest news with #MDAR
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
State urges horse owners to vaccinate ahead of peak mosquito season
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is reminding horse owners to vaccinate their animals against Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus before peak mosquito season. A vaccine against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) is only approved for horses. The peak mosquito season in Massachusetts begins in late July. Deadly illness spreading rapidly in Massachusetts 'Proper timing of vaccination for your animals can ensure protection throughout the entire mosquito season,' said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. 'EEE and WNV pose serious risks to horses, and infection can lead to death. In 2019, there were eight equine deaths in Massachusetts, all involving unvaccinated horses. In 2024, there were four equine deaths, again in unvaccinated horses. Vaccinating horses is one of the most effective ways to defend against these viruses.' The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) says that while rare, EEE is a serious and potentially deadly disease that can affect people of all ages and is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2024, there were four human cases in Worcester, Middlesex, and Plymouth Counties and four animal cases in Plymouth County with EEE, with a total of 97 positive mosquito samples. A total of 18 humans contracted WNV, while 333 mosquito samples tested positive. There were no animal cases of WNV in Massachusetts in 2024. Signs of WNV and EEE in animals: Fever Depression Loss of appetite Weakness Uncoordinated movement Head pressing Circling Convulsions Irritability Blindness Coma Tips to help prevent these mosquito-borne diseases in horses: Talk to your veterinarian about vaccination. Eliminate stagnant or standing water by avoiding water overflow from troughs, reducing run-off and pooling of irrigation water, eliminating accumulated water in flower pots, and removing old tires and other containers in which water can collect. Eliminate piles of decaying organic matter such as leaves, lawn clippings, and manure. Keep animals indoors during peak periods of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn). Keep screens repaired and free of holes. Avoid turning on lights inside barns during the evening and overnight, as mosquitoes are attracted to light. Apply mosquito repellents approved for use in animals. Read the product label before using, and follow all instructions carefully. People are reminded to take precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside, using insect repellent, and limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
March declared 'Massachusetts Maple Month'
WARREN, Mass. (WWLP) – Kicking off the beginning of the agricultural season, Governor Maura Healey has declared March as Massachusetts Maple Month. Governor Healey, along with state and local officials and Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Deputy Commissioner Winton Pitcoff visited Deer Meadow Farm in Warren on Friday to promote Massachusetts' maple industry and support locally-made products during this special time of year. What March has in store for temperatures in Massachusetts 'We are proud to tap into the sweetest of traditions in Massachusetts and support the hardworking farmers who bring us the maple syrup we love,' Healey said. 'By choosing local syrup, you're not just savoring a delicious treat, you're investing in the future of sustainable farming and strengthening the community that makes it all possible.' Massachusetts is among the top states in the country for maple production and is home to over 300 maple producers that make over 70,000 gallons annually. MDAR has awarded over $700,000 in Climate Smart Agricultural Program grants to 35 maple producers throughout the state since 2018. To celebrate Massachusetts Maple Month, Maple Weekend will be held on March 8 and 9 at sugarhouses across the state. Tours will be available to the public so that residents can learn about the maple production process and the history of maple sugaring. Best of all, visitors will be able to sample various maple products, and select locations will even host pancake breakfasts. 'Maple sugaring is a time-honored tradition in Massachusetts, with producers having honed their craft in sugarmaking over generations,' said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. 'As with other sectors of agriculture, many of our maple producers are multi-generational, family-oriented businesses that have stood the test of time. MDAR is proud to continue its support through our CSAP Grants, which make them one of the state's most environmentally friendly sectors of agriculture, as well as one of the most delicious!' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Widespread': Avoid handling birds, wildlife with suspected avian flu cases in Mass., officials say
State officials are warning the public to avoid handling birds and other wildlife as suspected avian flu cases are now 'widespread' in Massachusetts. The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 virus, which rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of death in cases of both wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts municipalities, state environmental and health officials said in a statement on Wednesday. 'Evidence suggests that HPAI is widespread in Massachusetts and is likely present even in places where there has not been a confirmed positive,' state officials said. Two geese in Norfolk tested positive for bird flu, officials said last week. And in Plymouth, officials said bird flu is the suspected cause of over 60 dead geese, swans, and other wildlife found in that coastal town. Over in Brockton, officials recently announced the closure of D.W. Field Park due to a potential outbreak of bird flu. Since early 2022, Massachusetts has had recurring incidents of HPAI. This month, an outbreak of HPAI was suspected of causing the death of Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth, officials said. Preliminary positive cases are being reported at other locations across the state. 'Refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick and report suspected cases,' state officials said. State officials said they are working with partners to test suspected cases and collaborating with municipalities to safely dispose of dead birds. Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Raptors, waterfowl, and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness, officials said. Wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds, such as foxes, can also become infected. State officials offered the following information and tips to report suspected cases: Report Wild Birds: The public should report observations to MassWildlife of sick or dead birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location, by using this form. Report Domestic Birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR's Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795 or online at this website. Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have direct contact with animals infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected. People with questions about the public health impact of HPAI can visit DPH's Avian Influenza webpage or call the Division of Epidemiology (available 24/7) at 617-983-6800. Avoid handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling wildlife, especially sick or dead birds or other animals. Keep pets safe: Dogs and other pets should always be leashed and away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent exposure to infected wildlife. Hunting: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize the risk of wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game. Tips for Livestock and Poultry Owners: Since wild migratory birds are natural carriers for Avian Influenza viruses, including HPAI, preventing wild birds from mixing with or having contact with domestic flocks is essential to disease control and prevention. Poultry owners should continue to practice strong biosecurity measures to keep their birds away from wild birds, particularly wild waterfowl, feathers, and droppings. Poultry owners with water bodies on their property should take steps to mitigate wild waterfowl from frequenting those areas. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is critical. Avoid unnecessary movement of poultry between locations and be aware of the potential to carry HPAI-contaminated materials onto properties where domestic birds are kept. New birds should be completely isolated for at least one month prior to being added to a domestic flock. Birds returning home from fairs or shows should also be isolated from the home flock as if they were new arrivals. Limit the number of people that have access to your flock. Do not share equipment with other bird owners without thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting between locations. For more information about HPAI, please visit MDAR's Avian Influenza webpage. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
