Latest news with #MichiganDepartmentofAgricultureandRuralDevelopment
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.
CBS News
11-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Deer kept on farm in Osceola County reported to have chronic wasting disease
A new case of chronic wasting disease has been confirmed among a Michigan deer. This latest case, involving a 7-year-old farmed deer in Osceola County, was reported Tuesday by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The discovery came about through the state's surveillance program for privately-owned or farmed deer. "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," State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said in the announcement. CWD is a progressive, fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, moose and related cervid species. An infected animal might appear healthy for a long time, but in the later stages of disease, there will be abnormal behavior, weight loss and physical debilitation. The disease was first noticed among cervid farms in Michigan in 2008, with cases reported in Kent, Lake, Mecosta, Montcalm and Newaygo counties in addition to the new Osceola County case. Cases among free-ranging deer were first reported in 2015, and have since been documented across 14 counties in Michigan. A number of hunting and wildlife regulations are in effect as steps to prevent the spread of the disease. There have been no reported cases of CWD infection in humans in Michigan. However, as a precaution, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that CWD-infected animals should not be consumed as food by either humans or domestic animals.
CBS News
07-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Third bird flu case confirmed in Monroe County; state officials urge steps against spread
A third case of bird flu has been confirmed in Monroe County, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reported Friday. This case, like the other two previous ones, involves the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in a backyard flock. The other two cases were reported on Feb. 13 and on Feb. 26. The affected premises is currently under quarantine, "and the birds were depopulated to prevent disease spread," the agriculture department said. The Monroe County bird flu cases are among a total of six reported during the past six weeks in Michigan. The others are in Wayne, Oakland and Alpena counties. The bird flu virus was first detected among Michigan animals in 2022, and has been the focus of attention both in the state and across the country. While it is not a food safety concern, attempts to quell the spread has resulted in fewer commercial chickens across the country and contributed to a noticeable price jump for eggs at the supermarkets. The new Secretary for U.S. Department of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, said her agency is working on ways to address the egg availability and price problem. Whether someone is raising a few "backyard birds" or a large commercial flock, the state agriculture department recommends taking steps to prevent the spread of the virus such as disinfecting gear and keeping poultry feed secure to prevent wild birds or rodents from mingling with the poultry. Both wild and domestic animals have been affected in Michigan. Michigan residents who suspect bird flu among domestic animals are asked to contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours). Those who suspect bird flu among wild birds are asked to make a report to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at 517-336-5030.
CBS News
26-02-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Monroe County reports its second case of bird flu among a backyard flock
A second case of bird flu has been confirmed in Monroe County, Michigan, involving a small backyard flock, local authorities said Wednesday. The first such case for Monroe County was detected and reported about two weeks ago; also involving a backyard flock. The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus known as HPAI or bird flu can be spread easily among birds, and occasionally from birds to people. It is not a food safety concern. No human illness for bird flu has been detected so far in Monroe County. "We recommend residents who own or work with birds to take the necessary precautions to keep their backyard flocks and families safe," Jamie Dean, Health Officer/Director at the Monroe County Health Department, said in the press release. "Our focus is protecting the public's health and keeping our community informed." The virus was first detected among Michigan animals in 2022, and has been the focus of attention both in the state and across the country. The Michigan agriculture department currently considers eight cases to be active: the two in Monroe County along with two in Ottawa County and one each in Alpena, Wayne, Oakland and Missaukee counties. Michigan residents who suspect bird flu among domestic animals are asked to contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at 800-292-3939 (daytime) or 517-373-0440 (after-hours). Those who suspect bird flu among wild birds are asked to make a report to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at 517-336-5030. In the meantime, Michigan agriculture officials have started testing milk samples as part of a federal surveillance program for the bird flu virus. The U.S. has also ordered vaccine doses to target bird flu in case the outbreak spreads more among people. Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it is trying to rehire bird flu experts that the agency accidentally fired as part of its efforts to cut costs based on recommendations from the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
