Latest news with #MDARD
CBS News
24-03-2025
- General
- CBS News
Michigan Animal Welfare Fund awards grants to local animal shelters, rescue agencies
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has approved $150,000 in grants to 28 animal shelters with this year's Animal Welfare Fund grants. The Animal Welfare Fund is among the five choices that Michigan taxpayers have for voluntary donations via state income tax checkoff programs. The intention of that fund is to "help finance the costs for protecting and caring for animals that have been subjected to cruelty or neglect." All of the donations designated through the state income tax forms goes directly to the cause. Since 2010, state officials have directed more than $2 million to over 333 animal shelters. "MDARD has seen a steady increase in the number of animal welfare projects seeking funding through the Animal Welfare Fund and in the amount of funds being requested," said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. Applications are due in the fall for the annual awards. For this year's grant cycle, state officials received 65 applications totaling more than $710,000 in requests. The projects and efforts included community engagement efforts, supporting access to microchip scanners to help return lost pets and children's programs on responsible pet ownership. The grant list issued Monday includes the following Southeast Michigan agencies: For information on the Animal Welfare Fund, go to .
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Chronic wasting disease found in an Osceola County deer
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Chronic wasting disease has been detected in another Michigan county. Osceola County is the latest to tally an animal infected with the disease — a seven-year-old white-tailed deer who was living on a farm, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. It was discovered as part of the state's CWD surveillance program for farmed deer. CWD in deer: What are the signs, and is the meat safe to eat? is a deadly neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, elk and moose, according to the DNR. It can be passed either from animal to animal and indirectly through the environment, MDARD said. In the last 17 years, CWD has been detected at 16 Michigan deer farms in Kent, Lake, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola counties. In , CWD was found in a deer in Mecosta County. MDARD is investigating to rule out any possible exposure to other farmed deer. For more information on CWD, visit the . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Chronic wasting disease found in Osceola County deer
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — has confirmed reports of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in a white-tailed deer in Osceola County. MDARD says the disease was found in a seven-year-old deer while conducting a state-wide CWD surveillance program. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose and other . The disease can be transmitted from one animal to another and through the environment. Animals may appear to be healthy for an extended period while infected. Eventually, it will display abnormal behavior, progressive weight loss, and physical debilitation in the later stages of the disease. 'Limiting the spread and impact of CWD on Michigan's farmed cervid herds hinges on the ability to detect the disease early and respond promptly,' said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland. Since 2008, including this new case, CWD has been detected at 16 Michigan deer farms in the following counties: Kent – 2 Lake – 1 Mecosta – 4 Montcalm – 4 Newaygo – 4 Osceola – 1 There have been no reported cases of CWD infection in humans. However, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that CWD-infected animals should not be consumed as food by either humans or domestic animals. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
March declared Michigan Food and Agriculture Month
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed March as Michigan Food and Agriculture Month, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced Thursday. 'This March, we recognize all the Michiganders who work hard every day to make us a global food and agriculture powerhouse,' says Whitmer. 'Thanks to our family farmers and cutting-edge businesses, we're home to a more than $100 billion food and ag industry that employs hundreds of thousands of people in good-paying jobs. This month, let's celebrate Michigan food and ag, which helps millions of families put food on the table while growing our economy.' During the month, MDARD will highlight unique parts of the state's food and agriculture sector—as well as how the industry positively impacts the lives of Michigan residents. The department is kicking off the month by launching the magazine, a guide to the state's farms, forests, food, and exports. 'At MDARD, we want everyone to know Michigan is the place to be for food and agriculture. Throughout March, you'll see posts across our social media channels spotlighting Michigan's diverse crops, local food and agriculture entrepreneurs, and events about our growing industry,' said MDARD Director Tim Boring. 'Governor Whitmer's commitment to Michigan's food and agriculture industry is evident through her recommended FY26 budget, which supports MDARD in our efforts to protect our food supply, encourage environmental sustainability, and foster economic development across the state.' Michigan Agriculture magazine can be found at state welcome centers, MSU Extension and Conservation District offices, and at featured businesses and advertisers across the state. MDARD also distributes copies at events throughout the year Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MDARD reminds owners to continue protect flocks from bird flu
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– wants to remind owners to continue to protect their flocks and herds from the highly pathogenic avian influenza. Spring migration for wild birds is quickly approaching and MDARD said the bird flu virus can be spread in various ways: infected wild birds, open food or water sources, shared equipment, and on clothing and shoes of caretakers. Second type of bird flu found in US dairy cows 'February marks three years since the first detection of HPAI in Michigan poultry. Since that first case, the virus has been a prominent focal point for MDARD due to the scope and impact of this disease on our poultry and dairy industries,' said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. 'As long as the virus continues to be carried by infected wild birds, the risk will continue. Preventing wild bird access to susceptible domestic animals needs to remain a top priority.' The provides steps to protect animal health: Prevent contact between domestic animals and wildlife, especially sick or dead wildlife. Isolate sick animals away from all others and care for them after tending to healthy animals first. Wash your hands before and after caring for animals as well as when moving between different coops, barns, or pens. Clean and disinfect shoes/boots and clothing or store them in an area that animals cannot access. Do not feed animals unpasteurized milk or raw or undercooked meat. Do not share equipment or other supplies between households or farms. all equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it. Use well or municipal water as drinking water for animals and prevent them from drinking out of puddles or other open/exposed water sources. Keep their feed and feed ingredients secure to ensure there is no contact with pests or wildlife. Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions related to the health of your animals. Pond of dead geese concerns Williamston residents The MDARD reports six additional bird flu infections were detected in commercial poultry and dairy cattle since last spring and four detections in backyard flocks since Dec. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
