Latest news with #TennesseeDepartmentofAgriculture
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kroger addresses concerns about rodents in Midtown store
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Kroger says there is no rodent issue at its Union Avenue store, despite WREG showing the company a video of a mouse running down an aisle away from employees Wednesday morning. This comes two weeks after someone posted a video of a bread bag with holes in it, claiming the Midtown store was infested with mice and rats. Another person also posted a video of a mouse running across what looked like a store aisle. 'The video that you had from yesterday was taken to the pest control company, and the goal is to find out how that mouse got into the building and make sure it doesn't happen again,' said Associate Communications and Engagement Manager George Brown. Brown said as soon as Kroger saw the social media posts, they contacted a pest control company to investigate, and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture did not find any signs of rodents in the building. 'We really want to thank the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, which came out right away. They didn't find any rodent activity in any of the food areas, which was great because we could confidently serve our customers,' said Brown. The TDA told WREG its Food Safety office has not received any consumer complaints, but decided to inspect the store after also noticing the social media posts. During a May 14 visit, the TDA reported that no rodent activity was observed, but acknowledged that a store manager had previously reported seeing signs of rodent activity. Kroger said it has taken steps to protect the property from rats spotted outside near a former fast-food restaurant next door. The business has been closed for years, and it appears that homeless individuals have been staying there, leaving behind food and trash. Several rats were spotted in the shrubs surrounding the vacant property on Thursday. 'As you saw, that abandoned property is attracting rodents and other issues. We contacted the health department and reported that we want to protect our business, and we also want to protect the neighborhood, because if that building stays that way, the problem could get worse,' Brown said. Several rat traps have been placed around the former restaurant. Kroger has also placed traps around the back of its store. A spokesperson for the city stated that another company has purchased the restaurant property, but code enforcement is referring the matter to environmental court through the Neighborhood Preservation Act. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture said it will conduct a follow-up visit to the Kroger store within the next 30 days. Kroger said they always want customers to feel safe in their stores and know that the food they are getting is safe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This ‘highly toxic' plant is spreading around US: Here's how to get rid of it
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A highly toxic plant, that can be deadly if ingested, is spreading fast around the U.S. Poison hemlock (or Conium maculatum) is about to flower in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and can already be seen spreading along roadsides, fields and fence lines. Poison hemlock grows nationwide and can be spotted throughout the seasons, but its most rapid growth typically occurs between March and May. While it was 'relatively rare' 30 years ago, the poisonous plant is growing more common, The Ohio State University assistant professor Joe Boggs, told Nexstar's WCMH. Experts say the plant is toxic to humans and animals, adding that just touching or inhaling particles while cutting can be harmful. Here's everything you need to know and look for as poison hemlock begins to flower. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said poison hemlock can be found throughout the U.S. and has white flowers that grow in small clusters. The flower reportedly begins to grow in early spring and tends to grow along fence lines, irrigation ditches and in other moist places. At full height, the plant can reach 9 feet tall. Officials described the plant as having a 'hollow stem usually marked with small purple spots' with leaves that are delicate, like parsley, and has a white taproot. Its roots are sometimes confused for wild parsnips. Experts warn that all parts of poison hemlock — including the leaves, stem, fruit, and root—are poisonous, especially in the spring when the plant flowers. According to the USDA, ingestion of the plant is 'frequently fatal' for livestock. In fact, sheep can reportedly be poisoned by eating as little as three ounces of green leaves. Animals can die from respiratory paralysis in 2 to 3 hours after eating the plant. Humans shouldn't eat any part of the plant either. 'Often, poisoning occurs after the victim confuses hemlock root with wild parsnips, hemlock leaves with parsley, or hemlock seed with anise,' the USDA explains. 'Whistles made from hollow stems of poison-hemlock have caused death in children.' The USDA said signs of poisoning include: Nervous trembling Lack of coordination Dilation of pupils Respiratory paralysis Rapid, weak pulse Coma Convulsions Bloody feces and gastrointestinal irritation Skeletal defects in calves The Cleveland Clinic reports that humans won't get a rash from touching the plant, but added people with sensitive skin can develop dermatitis. In severe cases, hemlock poisonings can reportedly cause complications such as: slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, muscle paralysis and kidney failure. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture said residents should never mow or burn poison hemlock on their property. Instead, people should use gloves to remove the plant and consult with their local agricultural officials for safe removal options. Officials said hand pulling may be effective for small populations of the plant and recommend bagging it before disposing to prevent seed dispersal. Herbicides can be used for larger areas but is most effective before the plant flowers, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Parks in King County, Wash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
20-05-2025
- Health
- The Hill
This ‘highly toxic' plant is spreading around US: Here's how to get rid of it
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A highly toxic plant, that can be deadly if ingested, is spreading fast around the U.S. Poison hemlock (or Conium maculatum) is about to flower in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and can already be seen spreading along roadsides, fields and fence lines. Poison hemlock grows nationwide and can be spotted throughout the seasons, but its most rapid growth typically occurs between March and May. While it was 'relatively rare' 30 years ago, the poisonous plant is growing more common, The Ohio State University assistant professor Joe Boggs, told Nexstar's WCMH. Experts say the plant is toxic to humans and animals, adding that just touching or inhaling particles while cutting can be harmful. Here's everything you need to know and look for as poison hemlock begins to flower. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said poison hemlock can be found throughout the U.S. and has white flowers that grow in small clusters. The flower reportedly begins to grow in early spring and tends to grow along fence lines, irrigation ditches and in other moist places. At full height, the plant can reach 9 feet tall. Officials described the plant as having a 'hollow stem usually marked with small purple spots' with leaves that are delicate, like parsley, and has a white taproot. Its roots are sometimes confused for wild parsnips. Experts warn that all parts of poison hemlock — including the leaves, stem, fruit, and root—are poisonous, especially in the spring when the plant flowers. According to the USDA, ingestion of the plant is 'frequently fatal' for livestock. In fact, sheep can reportedly be poisoned by eating as little as three ounces of green leaves. Animals can die from respiratory paralysis in 2 to 3 hours after eating the plant. Humans shouldn't eat any part of the plant either. 'Often, poisoning occurs after the victim confuses hemlock root with wild parsnips, hemlock leaves with parsley, or hemlock seed with anise,' the USDA explains. 'Whistles made from hollow stems of poison-hemlock have caused death in children.' The USDA said signs of poisoning include: The Cleveland Clinic reports that humans won't get a rash from touching the plant, but added people with sensitive skin can develop dermatitis. In severe cases, hemlock poisonings can reportedly cause complications such as: slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, muscle paralysis and kidney failure. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture said residents should never mow or burn poison hemlock on their property. Instead, people should use gloves to remove the plant and consult with their local agricultural officials for safe removal options. Officials said hand pulling may be effective for small populations of the plant and recommend bagging it before disposing to prevent seed dispersal. Herbicides can be used for larger areas but is most effective before the plant flowers, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Parks in King County, Wash.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Poison hemlock is spreading across the US. Here's how to get rid of it
A roadside plant is posing a potentially deadly risk to Americans after it was found to be growing rapidly in unmanaged areas. Poison hemlock, also known as Conium maculatum, is poisonous to humans when ingested through the eyes, nasal passages or cuts in the skin. It contains highly toxic compounds known to cause respiratory failure and death. Humans can be affected by the poison if they come into contact with the plant bare-handed. All contact should be avoided, and poison hemlock should never be mowed or burned. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Poison hemlock starts growing in the early spring and 'usually grows for two years.' It's found at 'roadsides, on edges of cultivated fields, along creek beds and irrigation ditches, and in waste areas.' The Tennessee Department of Agriculture noted that poison hemlock can be identified by its tall, hollow stems with purple spots and small white flower clusters forming. So, what's the best way to get rid of Poison hemlock? According to the University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources, there are a few different ways to control the plant. Once identified, remove individual plants by hand pulling, hoeing, or applying a herbicide, which is a pesticide designed to kill unwanted plants. Of course, this should be done with gloves. Hand removal is best for small infestations, with the entire taproot being removed when the plant is pulled out to prevent regrowth. Herbicides such as 2,4-D, triclopyr, and glyphosate could be the most effective in stopping Poison hemlock from growing more. Glyphosate is 'nonselective,' meaning it will kill any plant that it comes in contact with, so use it with caution to minimize 'mortality of desirable plants that might help suppress new poison hemlock seedlings,' according to UC Agriculture & Natural Resources. However, 'herbicides should be used only on seedlings or small rosettes,' and not on plants that are fully grown. Treating Poison hemlock with herbicides may require repeated applications for a couple of years, until 'the seedbank has been significantly depleted.' In addition, 'solid carpets of hemlock seedlings' aren't uncommon after soil disturbance, so 'plowing or repeated cultivation of newly germinated plants will prevent poison hemlock establishment.' Hemlock poisoning can occur in humans if they accidentally ingest the plant, which is often mistaken for wild carrot, wild parsnip, or wild parsley. The poisoning could be fatal, with symptoms — including vomiting, sweating, excess salivation, restlessness or confusion, and rapid heartbeat — occurring almost immediately after eating the plants, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Although there isn't an antidote for the poisoning, your doctor will offer treatment based on your symptoms. Poison hemlock is also extremely toxic for livestock, including sheep, cattle, swine, or horses. Domestic animals are poisoned by eating small amounts of the plant.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Outdoors Appalachia: Poison hemlock & CWD warnings
JOHNSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — This week's Outdoors Appalachia show featured warnings for people getting outside and talk of a survey to improve hikes in one of the region's recreation areas. Murry Lee and Chris McIntosh discussed the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's warning about the invasive and potentially lethal poison hemlock plant, as well as the latest chronic wasting disease numbers in Virginia. A survey to improve hiking, mountain biking, horseback and ATV trails at Doe Mountain Recreational Area was also talked about on this week's show. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
