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tag:www.extension.org,2014:/feeds/content/disasters eXtension Articles,Faqs- disasters 2014-12-18T19:15:07Z Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/66439/fire-ant-webinars Fire Ant Webinars 2014-12-18T19:11:51Z

Learn About Imported Fire Ants and Other Pests from the Experts

See the schedule for upcoming webinars or watch one of our previous webinars. Brought to you by the Imported Fire Ant eXtension Community of Practice, eXtension, and its participating Cooperative Extension Institutions.

What is a Webinar and How Do I Participate?

2015 Webinar Series: All Bugs Good and Bad

Download the flyer for the entire 2015 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: JPG PDF

Please join us for this webinar series for information you can use about good and bad insects. Topics will include how you can help good insects in your garden and how to control insects we think of as bad, like fire ants, termites, bed bugs, white grubs, and wasps. Moles, squirrels, and rats aren't insects but they are troublesome, so we will have a webinar about them too. Webinars will be on the first Friday of each month at 2 p.m. Eastern time. Click on the title for information on how to connect to the webinar.

FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Pesticide Strategy: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
 Presented by Kaci Buhl
 Moderated by Charles Pinkston and Danielle Carroll

MARCH 6, 2015

Fire Ant Management Using Baits
 Presented by Dr. Lawrence "Fudd" Graham
 Moderated by Charles Pinkston, Bethany O'Rear, and Vicky Bertagnolli-Heller

APRIL 3, 2015

Common Termites of the Southern United States: Biology, Behavior, and Management
 Presented by Dr. Robert Puckett
 Moderated by Mallory Kelley and Ellen Huckabay

MAY 1, 2015

Benefical Garden Helpers
 Presented by Dr. Kris Braman
 Moderated by Ellen Huckabay and Mallory Kelley

JUNE 5, 2015

Insect-borne Diseases Affecting People
 Presented by Dr. Nathan Burkett-Cadena
 Moderated by Chris Becker and David Koon

AUGUST 7, 2015

Management of Japanese Beetles and Other White Grubs
 Presented by Dr. Juang-Horng (J. C.) Chong
 Moderated by Bethany O'Rear and Kenneth Creel

SEPTEMBER 4, 2015

Bees, Wasps and Hornets - They're all Different
 Presented by Dr. Charles Ray
 Moderated by Lucy Edwards and David Koon

OCTOBER 2, 2015

Keep Ants and Cockroaches from Ruining Your Holidays
 Presented by Elizabeth "Wizzie" Brown
 Moderated by Willie Datcher and Lucy Edwards

NOVEMBER 6, 2015

Let's Beat the Bug! New Things to Know About Bed Bugs
 Presented by Dr. Stephen Kells
 Moderated by Nelson Wynn and Chris Becker

DECEMBER 4, 2015

Wildlife in the Backyard: a Double-edged Sword
 Presented by Dr. Scott Hygnstrom
 Moderated by Mike McQueen and Danielle Carroll

2014 Webinar Series: All Bugs Good and Bad

FEBRUARY 7, 2014

If Flowers are Restaurants to Bees, then What Are Bees to Flowers?
 Presented by Dr. John Skinner Moderated by Danielle Carroll
 a recording

MARCH 7, 2014

Straight Talk About Termites
 Presented by Dr. Xing Ping Hu
 Moderated by Mallory Kelley
 a recording

APRIL 4, 2014

Get TickSmart: 10 Things to Know, 5 Things to Do
 Presented by Dr. Thomas N. Mather
 Moderated by Shawn Banks
 a recording

MAY 2, 2014

Are Those Itsy Bitsy Spiders Good or Bad?
 Presented by Dr. Nancy Hinkle
 Moderated by Charles Pinkston
 a recording

JUNE 6, 2014

Fire Ant Management
 Presented by Elizabeth "Wizzie" Brown
 Moderated by Gerald "Mike" McQueen
 a recording

AUGUST 1, 2014

Minimize Mosquito Problems
 Presented by Molly Keck
 Moderated by Christopher Becker
 a recording

SEPTEMBER 5, 2014

Kudzu Bug Takes Over the Southeastern U.S and Brown Marmorated Stinkbug -- All Bad
 Presented by Michael Toews and Tracy Leskey
 Moderated by Willie Datcher
 a recording

OCTOBER 3, 2014

Alien Invasions, Zombies Under Foot, and Billions of Decapitated Fire Ants
 Presented by Dr. Sanford Porter
 Moderated by Nelson Wynn
 a recording

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Where Have All the Honey Bees Gone? Hope for the Future
 Presented by Dr. John Skinner
 Moderated by Sallie Lee

 a recording

2013 Webinar Series: Don't Bug Me

Watch a recording in this series by clicking on the WATCH button.

Fire Ant Home Remedies - What Works, What Doesn't
 Recorded on February 1, 2013 at 2 pm EST (45 minutes)

Ants! Ants! Ants!
 Recorded on March 1, 2013 at 2 pm EST (45 minutes)

You Have Fire Ants Where?
 Recorded on April 5, 2013 at 2 pm EDT (45 minutes)

Protect Your Loved Ones From Fire Ants
 Recorded on May 3, 2013 at 2 pm EDT (45 minutes)

Get Rid of Those Bed Bugs
 Recorded on June 7, 2013 at 2 pm EDT (1 hour)

Fall - A Good Time to Control Fire Ants with Bait
 Recorded on September 4, 2013 at 2 pm EDT (1 hour)

Home Invaders
 Recorded on October 2, 2013 at 2 pm EDT (30 minutes)

Keep Ants Off the Thanksgiving Table
 Recorded on November 6, 2013 at 2 pm EST (1 hour)

2012 Webinars

2012 Fire Ant Control Made Easy
 Recorded on May 10, 2012 (1 hour)

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/72270/all-bugs-good-and-bad-webinar-series-resumes-feb-6 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series Resumes Feb. 6 2014-12-18T17:26:59Z
The eXtension All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar series is set to resume Feb. 6, 2015. Dr. Kathy Flanders, an entomologist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, says the 2015 series will continue to emphasize good and bad insects that affect people every day.

"This webinar series will feature insects that affect homeowners and gardeners," says Flanders. "These insects fall into two categories and we hope to provide information that is beneficial when treating your gardens or crops, pest-proofing your home and yard, and protecting your family and pets. One webinar will venture outside the insect world to discuss the small mammals that share our backyards."

Webinars will be held the first Friday of each month at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The first webinar in the 2015 series will discuss how to use pesticides safely and effectively. "Pesticide Strategy: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," presented by Kaci Buhl, Coordinator, National Pesticide Information Center, will be Friday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m.

Charles Pinkston, a regional Extension home grounds agent, will be moderating the Feb. 6 webinar. He says it is imperative to follow the directions when using pesticides.

"All too often people think that if a little is good, more is better," Pinkston says. "Using more pesticide than is directed is not only illegal, it can be dangerous and lead to secondary pest outbreaks."

Upcoming webinar topics include fire ants, termites, beneficial garden helpers, and insect-borne diseases affecting people.

Flanders says The All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar series is designed to provide useful tips for those interested in solid, research-based information.

More information can be found at 2015 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series including how to connect to the webinars. On Feb. 6, participants can use this link to connect to the webinar. Participants can login as a guest within 15 minutes of the start of the webinar. Webinars will be archived and can be found on the 2015 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series page.

The 2015 webinars are a continuation of the nine webinars in the 2014 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series, That series included webinars on pollinator health, termites, spiders, ticks, mosquitoes, fire ants, kudzu bug and brown marmorated stink bug. Links to view these archived webinars can be found here.

The 2015 Webinars are brought to you by the Imported Fire Ants, Urban IPM, Disasters, and Pesticide Environmental Stewardship eXtension Communities of Practice; and by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the University of Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture. Kathy Flanders is the series coordinator. Amanda Tedrow, University of Georgia Extension Agents, assists with marketing. Shawn Banks, North Carolina State University Extension Agent moderates the text chat during webinars.

Upcoming Webinars in the First Friday of the Month 2014 Series

February 6, 2015 — Pesticide Strategy: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Presented by Kaci Buhl, Coordinator, National Pesticide Information Center
 Moderated by Charles Pinkston and Danielle Carroll, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Regional Extension Agents

March 6, 2015 — Fire Ant Management Using Baits

Presented by Dr. Lawrence "Fudd" Graham
 Moderated by Charles Pinkston and Bethany O'Rear, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Regional Extension Agents, and Vicky Bertagnolli-Heller, Clemson Cooperative Extension Consumer Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator

April 3, 2015 —Common Termites of the Southern United States: Biology, Behavior, and Management

Presented by Dr. Robert Puckett
 Moderated by Mallory Kelley and Ellen Huckabay, Alabama Cooperative Extension System Regional Extension Agents
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/59588/recovering-after-a-disaster:-the-family-financial-toolkit Recovering After a Disaster: The Family Financial Toolkit 2014-12-02T13:33:00Z
Recovering After a Disaster
 The Family Financial Toolkit

Putting Your Financial Recovery Puzzle Together

A natural disaster can strike anywhere, any time. Natural disasters often leave in their wake damage and destruction that have long-term impacts on the financial well-being of survivors. If you or a loved one has been affected by a natural disaster, it's important to know that financial recovery takes time. There are no easy fixes and no guarantees.

This Recovery After Disaster: The Family Financial Toolkit discusses strategies and provides tools that can help you move along the road towards financial recovery.

This Toolkit contains nine units. Use all nine or just the ones that apply.

 Unit 1: How do I use this toolkit? Tools to help you sort out the pieces of your financial recovery puzzle.

Unit 2: What are key strategies for financial recovery? Disaster survivors and the helping agencies that work with them have identified several key strategies and resources that all disaster survivors should know.

Unit 3: What tools do I need to implement key strategies? This unit is comprised of tools that will help you with the key strategies identified in the previous unit.

Unit 4: Where do I start? – This unit includes tasks to complete in the first hours and days, when you return to your property, and as you plan for clean-up.

Unit 5: Where am I financially? – This unit helps you assess your financial situation and start to make plans for long-term recovery.

Unit 6: Where will I live if I'm a homeowner? – This unit guides you in an assessment of your short-term and long-term housing options and reviews the possible assistance and resources that may be available to you as a homeowner.

Unit 7: Where will I live if I'm a renter? – This unit guides you in an assessment of your short-term and long-term housing options and reviews the possible assistance and resources that may be available to you as a renter.

Unit 8: The New Normal – This unit explores how your financial recovery puzzle is coming together and what you may need to do to complete it.

Unit 9: Disaster Recovery Resources for Families – This unit offers additional resources that will help with your disaster recovery.

The family financial recovery process after a disaster is complex. The tools provided in this toolkit are designed to help families make decisions that are best for their family. This toolkit is designed so those financially impacted by a disaster can utilize the individual units or use the entire toolkit as their situation requires.

Download the entire Recovery After Disaster: The Family Financial Toolkit

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/13417/extension-disaster-education-network-agrosecurity Extension Disaster Education Network Agrosecurity 2014-11-18T14:52:38Z

Agrosecurity is a framework for protecting food and agriculture systems from all hazards, whether natural, accidental, or deliberate. Agrosecurity efforts focus on farm security, livestock/plant health and protection, food safety, foodborne illness prevention, and early recognition of and response to problems. Education about plant and livestock diseases of concern, farm premise risks, and areas of food safety vulnerability will help producers and managers prepare for potential agrosecurity threats and reduce the impact if they do occur.

Preparedness

Evacuation from a Wildfire: One Farm's Experience

General Agrosecurity Information

Animals A Potential Agroterrorism Target

Plants A Potential Agroterrorism Target

Food Products Are A Potential Agroterrorism Target

Farm Premise Agrosecurity

Farm Agrosecurity Checklist

What is normal Agrosecurity activity?

How do I report suspicious Agrosecurity activity?

Livestock Agrosecurity

Agrosecurity Concerning Foreign Animal Diseases

African Swine Fever

Classical Swine Fever (CSF)

Contagious Agalactia

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP)

Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP)

Exotic Newcastle Disease

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

Fowl Typhoid

Hemorrhagic Septicemia

Johne's Disease

Peste des Petits Ruminants

Rift Valley Fever

Rinderpest

Screwworm

Spring Viremia of Carp

Swine Vesicular Disease (SVD)

Agrosecurity Concerning Domestic Animal Diseases

Plant Diseases and Agrosecurity

Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri)

Asian Longhorn Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis)

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys)

Cactus Moth (Cactoblastis cactorum)

Citrus Greening (Candidatus Lieberibacter asisticus)

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

Karnal Bunt (Tilletia indica)

Mediterranean Fruit Flies (Ceratitis capitata)

Pink Hibiscus Mealybug (Maconellicoccus hirstutus)

Plum Pox Virus Potyvirus

Ralstonia (Ralstonia Solanacearum race 3 biovar 2)

Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta)

Soybean Rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi)

Sudden Oak Death (Phytophthora ramorum)

The Plant Diagnostic Network

National Plant Diagnostic Network

Food Safety

Food Safety Agrosecurity Overview

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs)

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)

Foodborne Illnesses

Overview of Foodborne Illness

Bacterial Pathogens of Agrosecurity

E. coli O157:H7

Salmonella

Bacillus

Shigella

Clostridium botulinum

Yersinia

Vibrio

Cryptosporidium

Cyclospora

The Extension Disaster Education Network website provides Extension educators with additional resources related to agricultural disasters.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/71892/food-safety-for-the-holiday-season Food Safety for the Holiday Season 2014-11-13T23:10:05Z

Tune in to Food Safety for the Holiday Season on Thursday, November 20 at 1:00 p.m. Central for food safety guidelines to keeping your guests – and yourself – free from illness caused by improper food handling practices.

This webinar will be presented by Dr. Soohyoun "Soo" Ahn, Assistant Professor of Food Safety in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Ahn has focused her research on the development of rapid, inexpensive and simple molecular methods for simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens in foods or in the environment.

"Food safety practices are not difficult. They are effective in protecting our food from pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Safe food handling helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness to our families and friends," says Ahn. "There are four simple rules that will help keep your food out of the danger zone and your families and friends in good health after eating the food you've prepared."

Dr. Virginia White is an Extension professional serving the state of Alabama. She will moderate the session. "Like too many others, I've been the victim of foodborne illness. Fortunately, I have not had to be hospitalized. Even when we get in a hurry, are distracted by too many cooks in the kitchen, or have no electricity, there are steps we can take to keep food safe to eat. Dr. Ahn will help us all be more aware of our food preparation practices – and help us change risky food prep behaviors to safe practices."

If you want to ensure your food is safe for holiday eating, join us on the 20th for this free webinar. Click here to log-in as a guest and participate in the live event. The webinar will be recorded for later viewing. To receive notifications about the webinar and to add it to your calendar, go to Learn.

This webinar is brought to you by the Extension Disaster Education Network and its eXtension Community of Practice.

Interested in other webinars on food safety? Here are two webinars presented and recorded in 2013: Food Storage Following a Disaster and Seafood Safety.

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/71390/bicol-university-leading-the-way-in-educating-to-build-resilient-communities Bicol University Leading the Way in Educating to Build Resilient Communities 2014-11-12T20:20:39Z

Tune in to Bicol University Leading the Way in Educating to Build Resilient Communities on Friday, October 24 at 1:30 pm Central. Learn what Bicol University Extension is doing to educate communities in the Philippines for disaster resilience.

This webinar will be presented by Dr. Leilani Pavilando, Extension Service Director at Bicol University. She serves as project manager on a United Nations World Food Program (WFP) Disaster Preparedness and Response (DPR) program targeting communities in Sorsogon Province. Pavilando is also closely involved in the recovery efforts following Typhoon Yolanda. The super typhoon struck the islands of Samar and Leyte as a category-5 cyclone November 8, 2013.

Carrie McKillip is an Extension regional educator serving four counties in Illinois. She will moderate the session. "I've seen first-hand how hard it is for communities to recover from disaster if their citizens are not prepared. We've found that, in addition to individual and family preparedness, the community governments—from the mayors to the county commissioners and all the supporting departments—must be engaged in planning to recover from disaster," McKillip says. "The whole community will be more disaster-resilient if there's a plan that includes all groups within the community. The plan should include ways to let community members know where they fit in the plan and what they need to do to respond and recover from a disaster. "

Dr. Lionel "Bo" Beaulieu directs Purdue University's Center for Regional Development. He has been engaged in rural development and extension projects for most of his career. "Catastrophic weather over the past few years across the United States has shown us that rural and poor communities face unique challenges. Many of these communities have only basic plans to protect infrastructure, and their citizens are not prepared to recover from disaster," Beaulieu says. "Lessons learned by Bicol Extension can help Extension educators in the U.S. enhance their efforts to support community planning efforts and educate hard-to-reach audiences in our rural communities."

Click here to log-in as a guest and participate in the live event. This free webinar will be recorded for later viewing. To receive notifications about the webinar and to add it to your calendar, go to Learn.

This webinar is brought to you by the Extension Disaster Education Network and its eXtension Community of Practice.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/24399/flu-pandemics-since-1900-spanish-flu-asian-flu-and-hong-kong-flu Flu Pandemics Since 1900 (Spanish flu, Asian flu and Hong Kong flu) 2014-10-16T20:15:41Z

Spanish Flu

 Emergency military hospital during Spanish flu pandemic (1918) REF

The Spanish influenza pandemic was an unprecedented catastrophe. It is estimated that 20 to 40 percent of the worldwide human population became ill and that more than 50 million people died. In the United States, approximately 675,000 deaths from this pandemic occurred between September 1918 and April 1919. People died very quickly. Some people who felt well in the morning became sick by noon and were dead by nightfall. Those who did not succumb to the disease within the first few days often died of complications such as pneumonia.

One of the most unusual aspects of the Spanish flu was its ability to kill young adults. The reason for this remains uncertain. Mortality rates were high among healthy adults, as well as among the high-risk groups (children and the elderly). Mortality was highest among adults 20 to 50 years old. For more information on Spanish Flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Asian Flu

 Children's ward during Asian flu pandemic (1957)

Asian influenza was first identified in the Far East in February 1957. Approximately 69,800 people in the United States died during this pandemic. Since immunity to this strain was rare in people younger than 65 years old, a pandemic had been predicted. In preparation, vaccine production began in late May 1957, and health officials increased surveillance for flu outbreaks. Due to advances in scientific technology, the virus was quickly identified and a vaccine was made available in limited quantities by August 1957.

The United States experienced a series of small outbreaks during the summer of 1957. When children went back to school in the fall, they spread the disease in classrooms and brought it home to their families. Infection rates were highest among school children, young adults, and pregnant women in October 1957. Most influenza and pneumonia-related deaths occurred between September 1957 and March 1958, with the highest death rates occurring in the elderly.

By December 1957, the worst seemed to be over. However, during January and February 1958, there was a second wave of illness among the elderly. A pandemic often has a second wave; as the disease infects one group of people first, infections appear to decrease and then infections increase in a different part of the population.

Hong Kong Flu

The Hong Kong influenza pandemic began in early 1968. The first cases in the United States were discovered in September, but illness did not become widespread until December. 33,800 people died between September 1968 and March 1969, many of whom were more than 65 years old. The same virus recurred in 1970 and 1972.

Perhaps fewer people in the United States died during the outbreak because earlier infections caused by the Asian flu virus might have provided some immunity against the Hong Kong flu virus. In addition, instead of peaking in September or October, this pandemic did not gain momentum until near the December school holidays. Since children were at home and did not infect one another at school, the rate of influenza illness among schoolchildren and their families declined. Finally, better medical care and improved antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections were readily available for those who became ill.

 Adapted from http://pandemicflu.gov

Next: Protecting Backyard Flocks From Avian Influenza >>

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Avian Influenza Homepage
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/13190/vesicular-stomatitis Vesicular Stomatitis 2014-10-14T15:20:50Z
Kathy Anderson, Extension Horse Specialist, University of Nebraska

Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease which affects horses, cattle, swine, and occasionally sheep and goats. Additionally, numerous species of wild animals including deer, bobcats, goats, raccoons and monkeys are susceptible. The virus causing vesicular stomatitis can also infect handlers of infected animals.

Vesicular stomatitis most commonly occurs during warm months in the Southwest region of the United States, particularly along river ways and in valleys. Recent outbreaks in the Southwest have occurred from May to December in 1995, 1998, and 2005. Livestock owners and veterinarians must stay alert for animals displaying signs characteristic of this disease.

Blister-like lesions may form in the mouth and on the dental pad, tongue, lips, nostrils, hooves, and teats of infected animals. These blisters swell and break, leaving raw tissue so painful that infected animals go off feed and water, suffer mild-to-severe weight loss, and may show signs of lameness.

Aside from the economic loss to livestock producers, vesicular stomatitis is significant because the outward signs are similar to (but less severe than) those of foot-and-mouth disease. Foot-and-mouth disease is a devastating foreign disease of cloven-hooved animals that has not occurred in the United States since 1929. The only method to differentiate between these diseases is through laboratory tests.

Because of the similarity of vesicular stomatitis to foot-and-mouth disease, the potential negative impact on livestock production, and its public health implications, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)works to keep this disease from becoming established in the United States. Vesicular stomatitis is recognized internationally as a reportable disease, and exports of livestock, horses, and animal products from the U.S. would be restricted if vesicular stomatitis were allowed to spread here.

Clinical Signs

The incubation period for vesicular stomatitis is two to eight days. The most common early signs are excessive salivation and drooling. Increased body temperature may occur either immediately before or at the same time as lesions develop.

Close examination reveals blister-like lesions on gums and lips; lesions may also occur on the nostrils, teats, and coronary bands. In horses, the lesions generally occur on the upper surface of the tongue. In cattle, lesions usually appear on the hard palate, lips and gums sometimes extend to the muzzle and nostrils.

When blisters break open, painful ulcers develop that cause horses to drool and froth from the mouth. This sign can be mistaken for bitting problems, dental abnormalities or colic. Infected animals generally go off feed and suffer mild to significant weight loss. Additionally, mild lameness may occur if lesions develop along the coronary band. Some cases of severe lameness have been reported in horses with sloughed hooves.

The number of affected animals on a property varies. Five to 10 percent of horses within an infected herd typically show clinical signs. If there are no complications such as secondary infections, affected horses may recover in as little as two weeks. However, more severe cases can take up to two months to heal; horses continue to be contagious during this time. Animals rarely die from vesicular stomatitis.

Transmission

Vesicular stomatitis has been confirmed only in North and South America. The disease is endemic in warmer regions of the Western Hemisphere, but outbreaks occasionally occur in temperate geographic areas.

How vesicular stomatitis spreads is not fully understood; insect vectors, mechanical transmission and movement of animals are all believed to play a role. One type of vesicular stomatitis is known to be spread by phlebotomine (bloodsucking) sandflies. Once introduced onto a property, the disease apparently moves from animal to animal by contact or exposure to saliva or fluid from ruptured blisters.

Humans can contract vesicular stomatitis by not following proper biosafety practices when handling affected animals. Prevalence of this disease in humans may be under-reported because it often goes undetected or is misdiagnosed.

In people, vesicular stomatitis causes acute influenza-like illness with symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache and malaise. People who handle potentially infected horses should wear gloves and shouldn't allow saliva and blister fluids to come in contact with open wounds or mucous membranes such as the eyes or mouth. Producers and other individuals who handle horses and who experience symptoms of illness should contact their physicians immediately.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Laboratory blood tests can be used to diagnose vesicular stomatitis. Additionally, the virus can be isolated from epithelium around vesicles or from vesicular fluid. Veterinarians need to differentiate between vesicles in the mouth caused by vesicular stomatitis and vesicles caused by photosensitization or trauma due to rough feed. Other vesicular viral diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease don't occur in horses.

There isn't any specific treatment or cure for vesicular stomatitis other than supportive care. Owners can protect their animals from this disease by not allowing animals to congregate in an area where vesicular stomatitis has occurred. Mild antiseptic mouthwashes may provide comfort and more rapid recovery to an affected horse. Good sanitation and quarantine practices on affected farms usually contain the infection until it dies out of its own accord.

When a definite diagnosis is made on a farm, the following procedures are recommended:

Separate animals with lesions from healthy animals, preferably by stabling; animals on pasture apparently are affected more frequently with this disease.

As a precautionary procedure, don't move animals from premises affected by vesicular stomatitis for at least 30 days after the last lesion has healed (unless they are going direct to slaughter).

Implement on-farm insect control programs that include:

Elimination or reduction of insect-breeding areas

Use of insecticide sprays or insecticide-treated ear tags on animals.

Use protective measures when handling affected animals to avoid human exposure to this disease.

Economic Impact of Vesicular Stomatitis

The majority of horse owners with infected animals will suffer economic losses in caring for sick animals. In an effort to assess the financial impact of vesicular stomatitis, New Mexico horse owners were surveyed following the 1995 outbreak in the Western U.S. Costs, including labor, veterinary fees, and medicine were estimated at $115 for each infected horse.

Restricting horse movement and refraining from participation in events should prevent spread of vesicular stomatitis, but such restrictions may cause additional economic losses. When a horse tests positive for the disease, generally it isn't allowed to move between states or nations. Infected horses also aren't allowed to compete in most shows, rodeos, fairs, and other events. When such events are canceled due to an outbreak, owners of healthy horses suffer as well.

Health certificates issued within 24 to 48 hours of transport may be required to bring a horse to some facilities or move it across state lines. Additionally, certain events may require that each horse be examined for lesions before being allowed on the grounds. Horse owners should check to determine restrictions before moving horses.

Report Suspicious Cases

Veterinarians and livestock owners who suspect an animal may have vesicular stomatitis or any other vesicular disease should immediately contact State or Federal animal health authorities. To report suspect cases or answers to questions regarding vesicular stomatitis in Nebraska, contact the Nebraska State Veterinarian at 402/471-2351.

For more information, contact USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services Emergency Programs 4700 River Road, Unit 41, Riverdale, MD 207371231, (301) 734-8073.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/71449/pet-friendly-shelters Pet-friendly Shelters 2014-10-08T17:43:25Z

"Pet-friendly" describes a human emergency shelter located in the same area or facility as an emergency shelter for pets. Typically, pet owners are allowed to care for their own animals.

Photo is complements of Andrea Booher/FEMA.

Pet-friendly shelters were created as a result of lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina. On October 6, 2006, President George W. Bush signed into law the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act). According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the act authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) "to provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs for people with household pets and service animals, and to household pets and animals following a major disaster or emergency."

"The Pet-Friendly Shelter Manager Course is free and available to the public." View Course

With the exception of service animals, state health and safety regulations generally prohibit sheltering humans and animals in the same room. Separate areas help reduce health risks for humans, especially people with compromised immune systems and people with asthma or allergies to animal dander, feathers, or fur. Keeping animals in a separate location also helps reduce the risk of human injury from animal bites and scratches.

Pet-friendly shelters usually are organized by local animal control offices or county/state animal response teams in partnership with the local mass care provider (American Red Cross, social services, a church, or a school board; visit your local Emergency Management Agency office to learn which group has that responsibility). Other pet-friendly shelter partners include animal care organizations, private businesses, local media, and nonprofit organizations.

Learn more:

Your Plan Should Include All Family Members (Protect Your Pets, American Red Cross)

Family Preparedness (Make a Plan, Extension Disaster Education Network)

Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006

Shelter Operations: Pet-Friendly Shelters (Best practices from FEMA)
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/71269/keeping-your-financial-records-secure Keeping Your Financial Records Secure 2014-10-07T16:16:09Z

Tune in to Keeping Your Financial Records Secure on Thursday, October 30. Learn how to manage your financial records – paper, electronic, and web-based – to keep them secure and accessible at all times.

This webinar will be presented by Sara Croymans, Lori Scharmer, and Steve Judd. Croymans is a family resiliency Extension educator with University of Minnesota; Scharmer is a North Dakota State University Extension family economics specialist; and Judd is manager of information technology and distance education at University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. The webinar will be moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Kiss, Kansas State University assistant professor and Extension specialist.

Croymans and Scharmer were part of the team that produced the award-winning Recovery After Disaster: The Family Financial Toolkit. The toolkit has been a recovery resource for disaster survivors across the country since it was first published in 2011. Croymans and Scharmer continue to provide education and resources that help individuals and families prepare for disaster. They and Kiss are members of the eXtension Personal Finance community.

"In early August there was yet another news story about an internet security breach. This time the hackers stole millions of passwords and other security information, according to the story. There is a risk of theft of personal and financial information all the time—during stable and unstable (disaster) times," Kiss said. "We are also at risk of being unable to access our information when we need it. This holds especially true during times of disaster, but can happen during a personal emergency."

Judd, an eXtension Network Literacy leader, says that there are several electronic options for storing your important papers and financial records. "While storing financial records digitally is a tremendous convenience, it is important to understand and protect the security of these records. The key to digital security is limited access. Don't make it easy for would-be thieves to steal your identity or your life savings."

Click here to log-in as a guest and participate in the live event. It will be recorded for later viewing. This webinar is brought to you by the following eXtension Communities of Practice: Extension Disaster Education Network, Personal Finance, and Network Literacy.

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/27602/gulf-of-mexico-oil-spill Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill 2014-10-06T19:19:29Z
 In mid-April 2010, a deepwater drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico 50 miles off the coast of Louisiana capsized and sank following an explosion. After multiple attempts to cap the well head, oil continued to spill and drift to shore. Louisiana's marshes were affected first.

2010 Gulf Oil Disaster

In mid-April, a deepwater drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico 50 miles off the coast of Louisiana capsized and sank following an explosion. After multiple attempts to cap the well head, oil continued to spill and drift to shore. Louisiana's marshes were affected first.

In response to the first news of the oil spill, Four Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Sea Grant Programs (Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi-Alabama and Texas) launched the Sea Grant oil spill website. The site contains background information; recovery; and other pertinent information.

A Unified Command was established immediately following the event to coordinate the response. A unified command links the organizations responding to an incident and provides a forum for those organizations to make consensus decisions. The following agencies and organizations were involved in the Deepwater Horizon Unified Command:

BP

NOAA

U.S. Department of Defense

USGS (U.S. Geological Survey)

Transocean

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

National Park Service

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Minerals Management Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Department of State

The well was declared completely and permanently sealed September 19, 2010. See the wikipedia timeline.

RestoreTheGulf is the official federal portal for ongoing response and recovery.

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/71161/is-your-home-hurricane-ready-home-improvements-that-protect-your-investment Is Your Home Hurricane Ready? Home Improvements that Protect Your Investment 2014-09-30T21:27:02Z

A durable home that withstands natural hazards saves money, time, the ordeal of making repairs, and potentially your health. When making improvements to your home, consider including these hurricane and flood-resistant changes.

Roof and Attic

The most common type of storm damage to homes is roof damage and resulting water damage. When re-roofing, investigate the water, wind and hail resistance ratings of the new roof system. Look for ASTM wind ratings and UL impact (hail) resistance ratings. Shingles that have been evaluated in accordance with ASTM standards can have a Class D (90 mph), F (110 mph), G (120 mph), or H (150 mph) rating for wind resistance. Select shingles that have a class rating greater than the wind speed risk in your location. For impact resistance, look for UL 2218 Class 4 shingles or FM 4473 for rigid roofings.

Remove the old roof coverings and inspect roof sheathing. Analyze underlayments and fastening methods along with roofing material properties. Add ring shank nails so the decking is secured every six inches and, if possible, install hurricane hardware to connect roof rafters/trusses to side walls. It's also a good measure to brace gable end walls to roofing members to prevent collapse from very high wind.

Consider sealing roof decking seams with six-inch-wide roofing tape as a secondary defense against water damage. It is highly recommended to upgrade the roofing underlayment to a synthetic roofing underlayment material which is extremely tear resistant. Invest in a single layer of adhesive backed, peel-and-stick roof membrane underlayment for the highest level of water protection. If using felt paper, use either #30 weight or two layers of #15.

Use a hurricane rated ridge vent combined with well attached, sturdy soffit vents in vented attics. Use strong soffit materials that are well fastened to framing and not just resting in a J-channel. Never combine a ridge vent with a power vent, turbine or gable vent; that could lead to reverse airflow and water intrusion.

Windows and Shutters

The most severe hurricane damage to non-coastal homes is typically caused by water entry and uneven air pressure loads when windows break or garage doors collapse. Hurricane winds can turn unanchored items into missiles – and that can be just the beginning. Most homes destroyed during strong hurricanes had no window protection. When wind enters a home through large openings, the inside pressure can build, lifting roofs and collapsing walls.

Operable hurricane shutters can protect glass from flying debris while providing an appealing, authentic design element to your home. Louvered Bahamas shutters (hinged above the window) offer the triple benefit of storm protection, decoration and the energy savings of an awning-like shade while preserving the view. There are also roll-down storm shutters that hide in a cornice until needed and several types of removable shutter and impact screen systems with tracks that can be painted to blend with siding.

Laminated impact-resistant glass is a good alternative to storm shutters. It offers the added advantages of being storm-ready at all times (such as when no one is home) and home security benefits.

Attractive garage doors, entry doors and windows with high wind pressure ratings are now readily available.

Appliances

Choose appliances that can be installed above a potential flood level. A front loading washer on a platform, or over a built-in drawer, has multiple advantages: energy and water conserving, a more convenient height, storage space and protection from low-level flooding. A separate wall oven and cooktop are convenient and high above the floor. Elevate a new water heater on a sturdy platform indoors or in an enclosed garage. Install the outside air conditioner compressor unit on a sturdy platform or elevated concrete pad above flood levels and secure it from wind with metal strapping.

Walls and Floors

When remodeling, choose materials that are resistant to damage from flooding, termites and other hazards. Consider ceramic or clay tile, brick with water-proof mortar, solid vinyl flooring with chemical-set adhesives, decorative concrete, pressure-treated wood, fiber-cement, and other durable flooring, wall finishes and siding.

When restoring or adding walls and floors, seize the opportunity to choose more flood-resistant materials. If you live in or near flood hazards, consider creating flood-hardy drainable, flushable walls with two to three inches of closed-cell foam insulation (spray foam or rigid board) in the lower wall cavities, solid wood and plywood structural materials and paperless drywall. Leaving a gap in the drywall behind removable moldings allows space to flush and ventilate the wall cavities without having to gut the walls.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/71251/flooding:-the-big-picture Flooding: The Big Picture 2014-09-30T20:21:42Z

Experiencing a flooding event is always difficult but having a broader understanding of what is happening around you can help you through the process. Disasters can be understood to be a four phase process that includes preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. These phases last different lengths of time for different people in different events. In addition, homeowners may find that they are completing tasks in multiple phases at once.

Preparedness

 Preparedness includes those actions taken to prepare people and property for a flooding event that may take place but is not currently forecast. Activities included in preparing for floods include

Creating emergency go-kits

Storing food, water, and other necessities in your home, and

Making plans for dependent members of your family.

It is important to remember that we do not just prepare to respond to a disaster but we also prepare to recover from a disaster. Activities included in preparing to recover from a flood can include signing up for the appropriate hazard-related insurance or setting aside funds specifically for recovery.

Response

Response can be described as any immediate activity to save lives and property when a flood event is going to occur, as well as during and after a flood event. These activities may include things such as sandbagging, turning off utilities, and moving valuable items to higher floors. Response also includes sheltering and evacuation.

Recovery

Recovery involves actions taken to restore and rebuild impacted areas. It is a difficult and lengthy process. Recovery is traditionally divided into short-term and long-term tasks and activities. Short-term recovery can include gutting homes, seeking temporary housing, and salvaging items. Long-term activities may include submitting claims to insurance companies, rebuilding, and returning to permanent housing.

Mitigation, or impact avoidance

There are many ways individuals can reduce their potential for experiencing future flood damage before or after a flood event. This is often called mitigation. Mitigation tasks or activities are steps to reduce or eliminate the risk of a flooding event. They could include structural changes (for example, raising your home) or changes to your property. Non-structural actions, such as the purchase of flood insurance, also can be taken.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/71249/7-ways-to-use-social-media-before-during-and-after-a-flood 7 Ways to Use Social Media Before, During, and After a Flood 2014-09-30T19:43:35Z

The same social media sites that you use in your daily life to share and connect with friends can become a lifeline before, during, or after a flood. Including social media outlets in your family emergency plans is a great idea, but always have a back-up plan and keep important phone numbers in a safe place because you may not have access to these sites.

These are some ways that you can use sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Pinterest, and Foursquare throughout a flood event.

1. Find preparedness tips

Many nonprofit and government social media accounts share tips on how to prepare, respond and recover from a flood event. Tips on what to put in emergency kits can be found on Pinterest as well.

 2. Keep informed of potential or impending flooding

By following agencies such as the National Weather Service, local government offices, and local weather reporters you can get alerts about impending threats. Often evacuation orders and instructions will be announced on government agencies' social media outlets.

3. Share information with your neighbors about flood threats and evacuation orders

Your neighbors may not by tied into the same social networks as you. Help keep each other informed.

4. Keep your friends and family informed of your whereabouts

Send updates through social media to inform your friends and family of the safety of you and your family. Foursquare is a particularly useful platform for doing this.

It is especially important to let people know your status if you choose not evacuate.

5. Find an evacuation destination

Find friends or family members that are willing to offer you a place to stay.

Locate a shelter. The Red Cross posts shelters that are open in your area. These can be found through Red Cross Twitter, Red Cross Facebook or the Red Cross Find a Shelter Webpage.

6. Keep informed while you're evacuated

If you evacuate, you can keep up to date with what is happening back home through neighbors' Facebook pages, local nonprofits' Facebook pages, local government pages, local media, and other community group pages.

7. Gather information on recovery

There are many opportunities for homeowners to use social media to assist them throughout the often long and complicated recovery process.

Gather information from other individuals experiencing recovery from the same event.

Gather advice from others who have gone through similar events on how to recover. Check out the Extension Disaster Education Network on Pinterest.

Seek help from friends and family throughout the recovery process.

Connect with nonprofits and other community groups that are providing recovery assistance.

Connect with government agencies such as FEMA that are offering resources for recovery.

Be sure to remember that, depending on the situation, you may not have access to these sites. Always have a back-up plan and keep important phone numbers in a safe place.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/71213/7-ways-to-reduce-vulnerability-and-prepare-for-disaster 7 Ways to Reduce Vulnerability and Prepare for Disaster 2014-09-30T17:08:24Z

We are all subjected to various hazards (flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, etc.). Many people want to prepare in advance but are unsure of where to start, receive conflicting information, or are deterred by the cost of some preparedness measures. While some activities can be costly, there are plenty of things you can do that are low cost or even free. Remember, preparedness is a continual process and your personal preparedness can change over time.

Increasing your activities in the following seven areas may help to reduce your vulnerabilities and better prepare you to both respond and recover from disaster.

1. Knowledge

Know the hazards in your area, know your vulnerabilities, and know your risk. Check out this article: 3 Things You Should Know About Flood Events

Know how to find information about the weather and how to protect yourself, family, and property from potential threats. Signing up for Weather Alerts or download other smartphone apps that can provide you with information you may need. The majority of these apps are free and can be downloaded ahead of time for you to use when needed.

Know about the potential risks to your property. For example, do you live in a flood zone? Here is an article about the National Flood Insurance Program and the maps used to determine rates.

Know how to take immediate actions around your home to help minimize a disaster if something begins to occur. For example, make sure everyone in your household knows how to shut off utilities in an emergency.

2. Integration

A widespread and strong social network can be very helpful to you during and after a disaster. Help yourself before a disaster by identifying those you plan to communicate with during a disaster.

Communicate with your neighbors. Do they have disaster plans? What are they? Do they plan to evacuate in the event of a disaster? Make an agreement to share information with each other in the event of a disaster. After a disaster your neighbors may be a key resource as you begin the recovery process.

Communicate with your family. Create a family disaster plan. Where will you go if you need to evacuate? Who is in charge of doing what in an emergency? Select an out of state person all the members of your family can contact if you get separated and cannot reach each other. Be sure everyone knows how to contact the out of state person.

Social media is a great, free tool that you can use. Several platforms (for example, Facebook and Twitter) are available. Here is an article with tips on how to use social media during a disaster.

3. Trust

Get to know those community officials responsible for things such as announcing mandatory evacuations. Do these officials have a good track record for announcing evacuations in a timely manner? Before disasters, identify trusted local media sources that you know you can count on to provide valuable information in the event of an emergency. Consider following your local emergency management agency on social media sites.

4. Subsistence

Gather the items that you and your family need to carry you through a disaster. This is an area where many of the preparedness check lists, or "go-kits" as they are often called can increase your preparedness. It is traditional to have enough food and water for each member of your household to last 3 days. If possible keep a small stockpile of medication that your household will need. Recommendations for go-kits from the Red Cross can be found here and a video from ready.gov. Having a go-kit in your car or office is also a good idea.

5. Mobility

Do you have access to transportation in the event of evacuation (sheltering in your local area or distant evacuation)? Does your family have a working vehicle? Do you have access and money for fuel? If you don't have a personal vehicle, do you have family, friends, or neighbors that you can evacuate with? Have you made a plan with them? Are you dependent on public transportation? Do you know your community's policy on public transportation in the event of a disaster? Click here for more information on evacuation planning.

Mobility may also include things like the freedom to leave work if needed or the ability to pick up kids from school in the event of an emergency. Making plans for how you can accomplish these things before a disaster happens will better prepare you to take action when needed.

6. Impact Avoidance

Impact avoidance is often referred to as mitigation and includes taking actions to reduce or eliminate risks of impact during a disaster. This can include activities such as putting in levees or dykes on your property, raising your home, securing heavy furniture to the wall, buying flood insurance, and more.

7. Adaptability

You probably have areas of your work and home life that will not change regardless of your preparedness level. They are not easily adaptable. For example, your work may require you to be in an office every day, making evacuation more difficult than it would be for someone who can work remotely. Recognizing where you and your family are not able to easily adapt, is the first step in thinking of alternate ways to address them in a disaster situation.

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/13076/fowl-typhoid Fowl Typhoid 2014-09-30T14:39:28Z

Fowl typhoid is a highly contagious disease of poultry caused by the Salmonella gallinarum bacteria. The disease is spread through the droppings of infected birds. The bacteria may also be spread through contaminated food, water, clothing and equipment. Fowl typhoid is an economically significant disease with mortality rates reaching 100 percent.

Although S. gallinarum may be present in backyard flocks, there hasn't been an outbreak of fowl typhoid in the United States since 1980.

Where Is the disease found?

Fowl typhoid is found in Mexico, Central and South America, Africa and India.

Can the disease affect people?

No. Fowl typhoid is NOT the same as typhoid fever in humans. Fowl typhoid is not a public health threat.

What are signs of the disease?

Depression

Loss of appetite

Huddling

Increased thirst

Ruffled feathers

Yellow or green diarrhea

Decreased egg production

Can it be treated?

Fowl typhoid may be treated with antibiotics but treatment does not eliminate the infection. Any bird suspected of having fowl typhoid should be reported to the State Veterinarians or USDA Federal Veterinarian immediately.

How can the disease be prevented?

Vaccines for fowl typhoid are available. The disease may be prevented from getting into the flock by purchasing birds certified as typhoid-free and following USDA-APHIS Biosecurity for the Birds program.

Where can I find additional information?

 Fowl Typhoid - Iowa State University

 Fowl Typhoid - Merck Veterinary Manual

 Pullorum & Fowl Typhoid -Texas Animal Health Commission

 Poultry Diseases Video - YouTube

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/65133/integrated-pest-management-for-mosquitoes Integrated Pest Management for Mosquitoes 2014-09-29T20:26:41Z

With the prevalence of West Nile virus, mosquitoes seem to have replaced bed bugs as the most talked about insect recently. West Nile is a virus that is harbored in bird populations and transmitted to mosquitos that feed on birds. West Nile is transmitted to humans when a mosquito carrying the virus bites a human. Many deaths have been attributed to this mosquito-borne virus. Here are some resources to help you, your families, and your schools be prepared.

Protect Yourself Resources from the CDC

West Nile Virus and Preventing Mosquito Bites

West Nile Virus Activity

West Nile Virus: What You Need to Know (Fact Sheet)

Mosquito Articles & Action Plans for Schools

Mosquito School IPM Action Plan
Mosquito Management
Mosquitoes | General Household Pests

Mosquito Newsletters for Schools

 Mosquito 101 (PDF)

 Mosquitoes. More than a Nuisance (PDF)

 Mosquitoes (PDF)

 Mosquito Biology (PDF)

Mosquito Control

Interactive Mosquito Activities

Mosquito Safari

Timely Blog Posts

West Nile Virus

Frequently Asked Questions

What are mosquitoes?

Why are mosquitoes a health problem?
 What is west nile virus and how is it transmitted?

Will my ornamental ponds increase my mosquito problems?

Will fogging the yard get rid of mosquitoes?

Are sonic and ultrasonic mosquito repellers effective in mosquito control?

What is Encephalitis and how does it relate to mosquitoes?

What is the best way to treat a flooded area to get rid of mosquitoes?

How can I control mosquitoes in a home garden pool?

I'm concerned about West Nile Virus. What is the best way to keep from being bitten by mosquitoes?

How do daytime temperatures affect mosquito populations?

What plants can you put in your landscape or garden that help rid the outside of ants and mosquitoes?

Does my dog/cat becoming infected with West Nile Virus pose a risk to the health of my family or other animals?

What can be done around the home to protect families from West Nile virus?

Are there any predators that kill mosquitoes that I can use around my house and garden?

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/69025/reportable-animal-diseases Reportable Animal Diseases 2014-09-25T16:39:50Z
What is a reportable disease; why should I care?

A reportable animal disease is one that, by law, must be reported to state and/or federal animal or public health officials. Reporting helps identify disease outbreaks, limit their spread and minimize the economic and health impacts on animals and people. Veterinarians, producers, farm or ranch employees, laboratory personnel, truckers or shippers, slaughterhouse workers and animal facility employees are all required to report should they suspect one of these diseases. Evidence or suspicion of bioterrorism should also be reported immediately.

The World Organization for Animal Health (Office Internationale des Epizooties or OIE) creates and manages the list of internationally reportable diseases of livestock, poultry and aquatic animal species. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains its own list of reportable diseases, which includes the OIE list and other diseases of interest to the United States. Diseases that are not known to exist in the United States are called exotic or Foreign Animal Diseases and are reportable. In addition, individual states may require reporting of additional diseases not on the list of federally reportable diseases.

What should I do if I suspect a reportable disease?

Suspicions of a reportable disease should be reported to your veterinarian, or a state or federal veterinarian. Evidence or suspicion of bioterrorism should also be reported immediately.

Where Are reportable diseases found?

Reportable diseases can be found worldwide, including the United States and Canada.

Can reportable diseases affect humans?

Some reportable diseases are zoonotic diseases, meaning that they can be transmitted from animals to people.

What are the signs of reportable diseases; can they be treated?

There are many reportable diseases, so naturally there are many different signs and varying degrees of treatment.

The USDA maintains a list of federally reportable diseases of cattle, small ruminants, horses, pigs, poultry, and aquatic species. The most current published list can be found on the National Animal Health Reporting System site (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahrs/disease_list.shtml).

An easy-to-view and downloadable list of the national reportable diseases is available here.

Diseases may be added to this list at any time. Individual states may require additional diseases to be reported. To find the reportable diseases list for your state, please search here.

Reportable diseases include

Foot and Mouth Disease

Vesicular Stomatitis

Rinderpest

Rift Valley Fever

 Swine Vesicular Disease (SVD)

Bluetongue

Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)

Aujeszky's Disease (Pseudorabies)

Q Fever (Coxiella burnetti)

Rabies

Paratuberculosis (Johne's Disease)

New and Old World Screwworm (Cochliomyia (Callitroga) hominivorax, Chrysomya bezziana)

Bovine Brucellosis (Brucella abortus)

Caprine and Ovine Brucellosis (Brucella melitensis)

Porcine Brucellosis (Brucella suis)

Tularemia (Francisella tularensis)

West Nile Fever/encephalitis

To see a list of reportable diseases of specific animals, please use the following links:

Cattle

Horses and Donkeys

Poultry

Sheep and Goats

Swine

How can reportable diseases be prevented?

Since there are many different reportable diseases, there are many different specific ways to prevent these diseases. However, you should always follow common biosecurity guidelines.

Where can I find more information?

More information is available on the USDA APHIS website.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/71208/3-tips-for-buying-flood-insurance 3 Tips for Buying Flood Insurance 2014-09-24T17:56:03Z

1. Find your flood zone

We all live in a flood zone. The question is, 'what is our risk of flooding?' Even someone that does not live near a body of water may be susceptible to heavy rainfall, water main breaks, or other sources of water less commonly thought of as sources of flooding. Flood insurance rate maps help explain the zone (high, moderate, low risk) in which your property falls.

2. Work with the National Flood Insurance Program

Flood insurance must be purchased from a regular insurance agent through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Regular homeowner's insurance does not cover damages caused by flooding. It is important to note that there are different types of flood insurance. For example, some policies cover only the structure while other policies also include content. Your insurance agent will be able to explain the differences. Insurance rates are based on the risk of annual flooding and determined through Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). More information on NFIP can be found here and common myths about flood insurance can be found here. Information on the 2014 flood insurance reform can be found here.

3. Check your risk designation

If you would like to better understand the recommended flood risk designation of your property (high, moderate, low risk) assigned by the NFIP, access your flood maps on FEMA.gov. Be sure to note the map file date. Many maps are outdated. This article offers further explanation on how to read your map as well as information on what to do if you feel your map is inaccurate or out of date.

For a more in-depth presentation on the National Flood Insurance Program and how to read Flood Insurance Rate Maps see this EDEN webinar.

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/9354/do-you-have-special-needs-plan-for-evacuation Do You Have Special Needs? Plan for Evacuation 2014-09-24T14:01:29Z

Disaster preparedness includes having a plan for evacuations as they can be stressful and hectic. This is especially true if special needs are involved. If you have special needs or are caring for a family member at home, plan ahead for resources and services you and your loved one might need if you need to leave your home quickly.

You have two sources of help:

Your support network of family, friends and neighbors

Emergency professionals in the community

Here are some tips from the experts:

Create a support network to help you in an emergency.

Provide your family, friends and neighbors with a detailed description, in writing, of your needs.

Tell your support network where you keep your emergency supplies.

Give at least one member of your support network a key to your house or apartment.

Show others how to operate medical equipment (such as oxygen) that may be needed by the person for whom you are caring.

Contact your city or county government's emergency preparedness office. Let them know about your situation and ask to be included on a registry of people with disabilities who need to be reached quickly in case of an emergency. Be sure the care receiver wears a medical alert tag or bracelet to identify his or her disability. Have copies of any appropriate legal care documents handy.

If someone in your home uses a battery-operated wheelchair or uses a life-support system or other power-dependent equipment, call your power company. Many utility companies keep a list and map of the locations of power-dependent customers in case of an emergency. Utility workers will try to make your home a priority to get you reconnected as soon as possible. The Arizona Division of Emergency Management has a printable brochure that includes additional tips for helping people with special needs and disabilities.

For more information and additional resources, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. Of particular note, this website has a section specifically aimed at helping you tailor a disaster plan for your needs.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/70269/cotton-insects Cotton Insects 2014-09-03T18:18:52Z

Scouting

Introduction to Scouting Insects

Cotton Nematode Management in the South

Begomovirus-Whitefly Vector Complexes: Emerging Threats to Cotton-Vegetable Crop Biosecurity - Webcast - Judith K. Brown, Ph.D., University of Arizona, August 2014.

Cotton Insect ID Guides

IPM

Whitefly Management & Prevention of Excess Sugars in Cotton - Dr. Peter C. Ellsworth, University of Arizona

Preventing Sticky Cotton Caused by Whitefly & Aphid - Dr. Peter B. Goodell, Univ. of California

Landscape Influences on Lygus Bugs in Western Cotton

Management of Tarnished Plant Bugs in Cotton

Insecticide Resistance

Resistance Management

Insect tolerant cotton

Boll Weevil Eradication Program

Midsouth Aphid Sampling Service

Insect Photo Gallery

Insect Identification and Management Guides

Cotton Pesticide Application
 State Insect Control Guides

A young cotton entomologist, Jack Bacheler, catches the "bug".

Because cotton is a perennial plant by nature, fruit are being formed over a long period of time compared to annual crops. The constant supply of new fruit makes cotton very attractive to many insect species over a relatively long time period. Cotton is a model crop for integrated pest management as entomologists have been at the forefront developing scouting techniques and thresholds that balance the use of tools such as insecticides, transgenic insect resistance varieties, beneficial insects and insect pathogens to help producers produce an economically viable cotton crop.

Cotton Insect information courtesy of Mississippi State University
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/71159/repairing-or-replacing-your-storm-damaged-roof Repairing or Replacing Your Storm Damaged Roof 2014-08-28T16:42:33Z
The most common wind damage from a storm is to roofing, which in turn often results in water leakage that can lead to interior water damage and the potential for mold damage. The good news is that today there are products and techniques that can withstand high winds and save the homeowner the ordeal and expense of roofing damage after the next storm.

After a storm, inspect your roofing for loose shingle tabs; cracks, broken or missing tabs; buckling or curling shingles; blistering; and areas that have lost most of their granules. Examine ridge vents, flashings of vents, chimneys and other penetrations to make sure they are well attached and flat. In addition, look in the attic, especially around vents, for roof leak signs such as discolored roof decking.

Minor problems may be repairable with roofing cement and extra roofing nails, but if you need to replace the roofing, use the opportunity to protect your home with a much more storm-hardy roof.

 Steps to a Stronger Roof:

1. Remove the existing roofing and underlayment down to the decking. This is necessary to provide a smooth foundation for a new wind resistant roof.

2. Replace any damaged or soft roof decking or framing materials.

3. Re-nail the roof decking to rafters, preferably with 8d ring shank nails (0.113" x 2-3/8" with full round head). The ideal nail spacing depends on the roof design and wind risk as specified in the building code, yet testing has found good performance with six-inch spacing of ring shank nails. Staples are not recommended since testing has shown that they are not very effective at holding down roof sheathing.

4. Upgrade the roofing underlayment to seal the roof deck. Typical roofing felts don't seal the decking nor do they provide good protection when shingles are lost or damaged. A sealed roof can be achieved by installing a peel-and-stick roof membrane over the entire roof. Another option is to tape the seams with a four- to six-inch-wide polymer modified bitumen tape approved for roof applications, and apply a reinforced, tear-resistant synthetic roof underlayment (strictly according to manufacturer instructions).

5. Buy and install high wind, impact rated shingles with an ASTM D 7158 Class G or H (or ASTM D3161 Class F) for high wind resistance, and a UL 2218 Class 4 for high impact resistance. These have been readily available since Hurricane Katrina.

It's equally important to make sure that manufacturer instructions for high wind installation are followed exactly. Standard installation methods will not provide the rated performance. This generally involves the installation of a dedicated starter strip (instead of the typical practice of turning a shingle upside down) and installing six nails per tab in specific locations.

Watch Dr. Claudette Reichel's narrated PowerPoint, Get a Storm Ready Roof -- so you never need to sing The Blue Tarp Blues, for more information.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/13373/johnes-disease Johne's Disease 2014-07-29T13:58:41Z

What is Johne's Disease?

Johne's (YO-neez) disease is a chronic wasting disease of ruminants caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. This bacterium is closely related to the organism that causes tuberculosis in cattle and humans. The disease was named for Dr. H.A. Johne, a German veterinarian, who first described this disease in 1895. It is also known as paratuberculosis or MAP.

Johne's disease has historically been considered a dairy disease, but many beef and goat herds and sheep flocks have Johne's disease; it can infect any ruminant. Johne's is a slowly progressive and invariably fatal disease. It affects livestock producers through excessive culling, death losses, increased feed costs, sub-optimal milk production, and decreased fertility. It is a possible cause for litigation if knowingly-infected breeding stock are sold as non-infected animals.

The real danger of Johne's disease is due to its "iceberg" effect. For every clinical case of Johne's in a herd, there can be 15 to 25 animals subclinically infected. The "iceberg" of Johne's steals profits through reduced production, increased secondary diseases, culled animals, and increased feed costs.

How Is Johne's Disease Spread?

Johne's disease is usually transmitted when the animal is very young, and probably within the first 24 hours of life. Johne's can be transmitted from the mother to the calf before the calf is born. Young calves can ingest the organism from contaminated colostrum, contaminated milk, contaminated udders, or any other contaminated surface. Specialized cells in the wall of the intestine take up the bacteria. Normally, an invading bacterium would be killed, priming the immune system to strengthen itself against future invasion. However, some of the organisms that cause Johne's disease are able to survive this process. As time passes, more and more specialized cells (white blood cells) are recruited to try to kill the bacteria, causing the intestinal wall to thicken with infected cells and disease-fighting cells.

Animals affected with Johne's disease can shed the organism in their manure, milk and semen; the number of organisms increases over time. Infection through contaminated semen is not believed to be an issue due to the age of the animal at breeding and route of infection (genital vs. intestinal).

Johne's is considered a disease of confinement. Housing and management systems that increase the likelihood of animals being in contact with manure also increase their likelihood of contracting Johne's disease. Beef cattle on rangeland have extensive areas available to them for grazing, therefore are at low risk of contacting manure and ingesting the Johne's organism. Dairy cattle in confined freestall housing generally have loose manure that can splatter and contaminate water troughs and feedbunks. Cattle, sheep and goats on drylots are also at increased risk. The Johne's organism can live for up to 12 months on the ground.

What Are Clinical Signs of Johne's Disease?

As mentioned above, Johne's bacteria attack the lining of the intestine which eventually results in thickening of the intestinal wall. Consequently, nutrients can't be absorbed through the intestinal wall and the animal loses weight. Because nutrients and fluids can't be absorbed, the animal develops diarrhea, which also contributes to weight loss.

Animals affected with Johne's disease usually exhibit clinical signs between two and five years of age, but they can be older (10 to 15 years of age) or younger (as young as 10 months). Males and females can be affected. Affected animals appear unthrifty, thin and weak. They usually have a good appetite and no fever. Profuse diarrhea is a hallmark of the disease in cattle, but much less pronounced in sheep and goats. Despite months to years of infection, signs often appear suddenly after a major stress or change such as giving birth or being transported.

The disease does not respond to antibiotics. No medication or dietary change is effective.

How Does Johne's Disease Progress?

Animals infected early in their lives initially show no sign of Johne's disease. The time from initial infection to onset of clinical signs (diarrhea and weight loss) is generally two to five years. After this incubation period, infected animals may begin shedding the Johne's bacteria in manure at very low levels. In most cases, the number of bacteria shed increases with increasing age of the animal.

At some time, the animal may develop clinical Johne's disease. Because Johne's disease can take so long to manifest itself, producers may not realize their herd is infected until many years have gone by; by this time, the disease has spread to many more animals. Before animals reach the point of chronic diarrhea and weight loss, they may have already been culled for other reasons, including mastitis, poor production or reproductive failure.

How Can Johne's Disease Be Diagnosed?

Many infected animals are negative to all existing tests early in the course of the disease. After the animal begins mounting a specific immune response to the bacteria or shedding bacteria in feces, a diagnosis via laboratory testing is possible.

The most definitive way to diagnose Johne's is by culturing feces for the bacteria. The Johne's organism is very slow-growing, taking up to 16 weeks of incubation in the laboratory before a final determination can be made. A negative test (no growth of the organism) does not necessarily mean the animal is not infected. Even if infected with M. avium paratuberculosis, young animals often do not shed the organism. Often, animals will not shed in detectable numbers until just a few months before they develop diarrhea.

A blood test called the Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbant Assay (ELISA) can diagnose Johne's disease. It is inexpensive and results are available in a few days. Care must be taken in interpreting ELISA results. There can be false positives. Thus, if an ELISA test is positive, the animal must be evaluated in light of other information, such as presence or absence of clinical signs and a follow-up fecal culture. Interpretation of any laboratory result should be discussed with the herd's veterinarian. Additionally, information on an individual animal is less valuable than information on the herd of origin. How many other animals were tested and what were their results?

Can Johne's Disease Be Prevented?

The best way to avoid introducing this disease into a herd is to be as certain as possible that animals brought into the herd are not infected. Many states have voluntary Johne's programs that establish and certify herd Johne's status. Ask your prospective seller if he or she participates in such a program and what the herd's status is.

Pre-purchase screening of animals may be of some benefit. However, it is important to understand the limitation of the tests. An ELISA test on one animal in a herd may not indicate the presence or absence of Johne's disease in the herd. It is better to test the entire herd (or a significant proportion of the herd) and buy animals only from herds in which all animals test negative. Involve your veterinarian in any discussion of laboratory results.

How Can Johne's Disease Be Controlled?

If Johne's is present within a herd, control requires a long-term commitment. The most effective method is a combination of identifying infected animals through systematic testing and management changes. This two-pronged attack centers on removing infected animals to decrease the amount of shedding in the herd and protecting the youngest, most susceptible animals. The voluntary Johne's programs available in most states are designed to assist producers in controlling Johne's and have a wealth of expertise to help.

A Johne's disease vaccine is available in the U.S. It is approved for use in calves less than 30 days old. Through proper use it can decrease the number of cows that develop Johne's-related diarrhea and weight loss, but it will not alter infection rates. The control recommendations listed below are generally more effective and widely used than the vaccine. Vaccination is a rare recommendation except in some instances of very high rates of infection on individual farms.

Johne's control programs will vary from herd to herd. Involve a Johne's certified veterinarian in assessing your situation and designing your control program. Herd size, geographic location, type of enterprise, number of infected animals and herd management need to be taken into account. No one program will work for all operations, but there are some control measures that will be universal:

Cull clinical Johne's animals immediately

Follow the Johne's control program outlined by your state or veterinarian

Maintain clean birthing areas

Keep udders clean

Spread manure on non-pasture land

Limit access to low-lying wet areas

Feed only colostrum from Johne's-negative sources

Graze young stock on uncontaminated pasture

Protect water sources from fecal contamination

Do not feed directly on the ground

Test to identify and cull positive animals

Do not contaminate feed for young stock with manure.

Key Points

Control of Johne's disease can be attained only by halting the transmission of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis within the herd. Since there is no effective treatment for animals already infected, control programs must identify infected animals early so they can be removed.

In the dairy industry, removal of the newborn calf to a Johne's free environment and feeding non-infected colostrum and milk are key parts of Johne's control programs. The goal is to produce a Johne's-free calf. This assumes that no intrauterine transmission has occurred. In about 50% of cases, if a cow exhibits clinical Johne's disease, her last calf became infected while in the uterus. To help stop the perpetuation of Johne's disease, these calves should be culled along with their clinically-ill mothers.

In the beef industry, Johne's control relies primarily on testing to identify infected cows. Cull positive cows and maintain clean calving/nurse pasture areas. Prompt removal of calves from dams is not a viable option for most producers, but in the case of an extremely valuable individual it may be a wise endeavor. Again, this assumes that no intrauterine transmission has occurred.

On sheep and goat farms, emphasis should be placed on not inadvertently importing the disease through infected dairy cow colostrum or milk or grazing on contaminated pastures. For producers who cannot maintain a closed herd, herd additions should only come from test-negative farms.

For a Johne's control program to be successful, all farm personnel, veterinarians and others intimately involved in an operation must fully cooperate.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Johne's Information Center, University of Wisconsin

 Johne's Disease, USDA-APHIS

Johne's Pictures, University of Wisconsin

 Johne's Disease Fact Sheets, University of Vermont

Iowa State CVM information about Johne's Disease

Johne's Disease Veterinary Outreach, Pennsylvania State University

International Association for Paratuberculosis

 The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine
 offers a free online course for goat producers.

 Johne's Information Central, part of the National Johne's Education Initiative

Johne's disease Q & A for Goat Owners

Johne's disease Q & A for Sheep Owners

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/71461/urban-forest-strike-teams Urban Forest Strike Teams 2014-07-16T00:15:55Z
The UFST (Urban Forest Strike Team) project, a disaster response and recovery effort initiated by the Urban & Community Forestry programs in Virginia and North Carolina in 2007, and supported by the Southern Group of State Foresters (USDA FS Region 8) has grown to include regional teams across the US.

Urban Forest Strike Teams evaluate individual trees, street by street in a defined disaster area. In particular, they assess storm damaged trees on public property and rights-of-ways to identify risk, recommend removal or pruning mitigation, and qualification for Federal Emergency Management Agency (also called FEMA) debris reimbursement under its Public Assistance program.

Location specific data assists in storm damage assessment.

Teams are primarily composed of state forestry agency certified arborists and urban foresters. The team members are trained to make urban tree risk and damage assessments following natural disasters. In many states, municipal and consulting arborists along with Extension foresters and tree wardens have participated as well.

For example, during the 1994 Ice Storms in Delaware, Extension personnel were called upon to assist emergency response teams that needed immediate assistance not only about language to provide for media coverage, but also tools to provide landowners, land users, and land managers while the storm was happening … as well as to provide help with information for salvage and recovery efforts. Like the Arkansas and Kentucky ice storms in 2009 to events like Hurricanes Gustav and Sandy, Extension personnel have been called upon to help prepare for and recover from storm disasters.

Current (mid-2014) web resources include (VISIT UFST: http://www.ufst.org/)

Contacts

Team Leaders

Search for team members by state: personnel trained as Urban Forest Strike Team members

Task Specialists in the Southern Region

UFST members in the Northeast

US Forest Service personnel involved with the UFST system

Contact information for State Urban and Community Forestry Coordinators

Urban disaster resources available for immediate assistance

UFST Links to information relevant to urban disaster response

UFST Photo, Library and Storm Related Research along with

Disaster response presentations and blogs

 A file download & exchange area for computer applications

Resources to support the development of Urban Forest Strike Teams

In the northeastern US

 Training and protocols for Urban Forest Strike Teams in the southern region

 Cost recovery assistance

 http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ and actual & cost estimates

FEMA - Debris Management for public assistance and tools

 Individual assistance program tools

FEMA Resources to Plan, Prepare and Mitigate disasters

And protect communities

In 2012, Urban Forestry South contracted the Southern Regional Extension Forestry office to develop a set of online learning modules that will provide UFST trained team members with refresher information just prior to deployment. These modules will help ensure UFSTs are prepared and ready when disasters strike!

Additional Resources

http://www.forestproductslocator.org/ locating primary wood product manufacturing companies

From http://www.urbanforestrysouth.org/:

Role of Professional Arborists in Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

Disaster Resources for Urban Foresters

Urban Tree Risk Resources

The International Society of Arboriculture disaster recovery resources

LSU Storm Recovery Guide

Other online resources to assist Extension personnel can be found through eXtension EDEN and at the Extension Disaster Education Network website that provides additional resources for Extension educators.

UFST online Resources

contributed by Sarah Workman, University of Georgia

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/70120/all-bugs-good-and-bad-2014-webinar-series All Bugs Good and Bad 2014 Webinar Series 2014-07-11T16:41:05Z
Please join us for this webinar series for information you can use about good and bad insects. Topics will include how you can help good insects like bee pollinators and how to control insects we think of as bad, like fire ants, termites, and new invasive insects. Spiders and ticks aren't actually insects, but we will talk about them too. Webinars will be on the first Friday of each month at 2 p.m. Eastern time. Click on the title for information on how to connect to the webinar.

2014 Webinar Series: All Bugs Good and Bad

FEBRUARY 7, 2014

If Flowers are Restaurants to Bees, then What Are Bees to Flowers?
 Presented by Dr. John Skinner
 Moderated by Danielle Carroll

MARCH 7, 2014

Straight Talk About Termites
 Presented by Dr. Xing Ping Hu
 Moderated by Mallory Kelley

APRIL 4, 2014

Get TickSmart: 10 Things to Know, 5 Things to Do
 Presented by Dr. Thomas N. Mather
 Moderated by Shawn Banks

MAY 2, 2014

Are Those Itsy Bitsy Spiders Good or Bad?
 Presented by Dr. Nancy Hinkle
 Moderated by Charles Pinkston

JUNE 6, 2014

Fire Ant Management
 Presented by Elizabeth "Wizzie" Brown
 Moderated by Gerald "Mike" McQueen

AUGUST 1, 2014

Minimize Mosquito Problems
 Presented by Molly Keck
 Moderated by Christopher Becker

SEPTEMBER 5, 2014

Kudzu Bug Takes Over the Southeastern U.S and Brown Marmorated Stinkbug -- All Bad
 Presented by Michael Toews and Tracy Leskey
 Moderated by Willie Datcher

OCTOBER 3, 2014

Alien Invasions, Zombies Under Foot, and Billions of Decapitated Fire Ants
 Presented by Dr. Sanford Porter
 Moderated by Nelson Wynn

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

Where Have All the Honey Bees Gone? Hope for the Future
 Presented by Dr. John Skinner
 Moderated by Sallie Lee

Download the flyer for the entire 2014 All Bugs Good and Bad Webinar Series: JPG PDF

The 2014 Webinars are brought to you by the following eXtension Communities of Practice: Imported Fire Ants, Urban IPM, Bee Health, Invasive Species, Gardens, Lawns and Landscapes, and Disasters and by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Looking for 2013 Webinars? Click here!
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/71034/susan-kerr Susan Kerr 2014-06-28T12:00:50Z

Susan Kerr obtained her B.S. in Animal Science and D.V.M degrees from Cornell University. She practiced rural mixed animal veterinary medicine for seven years, then entered a doctoral program in Education at Kansas State University. After obtaining her PhD in Education, Dr. Kerr joined Washington State University as Klickitat County Extension Director. She is now the Northwest Washington Livestock and Dairy Extension Specialist.

Contact Information
email@example.com
360-848-6151

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/68602/nathaniel-tablante Nathaniel Tablante 2014-06-11T17:21:44Z

Nathaniel L. Tablante, DVM, MPVM, MS, Diplomate ACPV

Nathaniel Tablante has been a poultry veterinarian for almost 25 years. He specializes in poultry health management, epidemiology, biosecurity, and emergency preparedness and response. In addition to his D.V.M. degree which he received from the University of the Philippines, Nathaniel completed a Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine at the University of California-Davis and a Master of Science at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. He is also a Diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians. As an Extension Poultry Veterinarian at the University of Maryland, he educates poultry producers on how to prevent poultry diseases and conducts research on risk factors associated with various poultry diseases of economic and public health importance.

Contact Information:

Nathaniel L. Tablante, DVM, MPVM, MS, DACPV

Associate Professor

Extension Poultry Veterinarian

VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

University of Maryland College Park

8075 Greenmead Drive

College Park, MD 20742

Tel 301-314-6810

Fax 301-314-6855

firstname.lastname@example.com

www.vetmed.umd.edu
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/68607/sarah-workman Sarah Workman 2014-06-11T17:20:09Z

Sarah Workman

Sarah works with Southern Regional Extension Forestry as a faculty member of the Warnell School and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia. She helps provide and edit materials for various eXtension Communities of Practice, notably the Urban Forestry and Energy Conservation community, the Forest Farming community and the Extension Disaster Education Network.
Sarah is engaged in strategic development of partnerships through collaborative work with faculty peers, in grant preparation and programming, and works to develop and lead training for professionals and strategic higher education activities. She assists in planning and organizing information, materials and exercises for work with university partner groups (public and private) as well as collaborative research activities in agroforestry and nontimber products. Her skills in teaching, capacity building, management and administration and resource mobilization are developed from work with universities, USDA, non-governmental and international organizations such as the World Agroforestry Centre.

Contact Information

Sarah W. Workman, Southern Regional Extension Forestry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 Tel: 706.542.1965 FAX: 706.542.3342
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/68693/virginia-white Virginia White 2014-06-11T17:15:32Z
Virginia Morgan White

In my first venture in full-time employment, I learned I didn't care to earn a living in the retail world. The lesson was learned while working for a North Carolina-based mass merchandise company. During my eight years there, I held several positions, ranging from point-of-sale trainer to order distribution manager. After that, I went back to school and, in 1992, received an EdD in Human Resource Development from Vanderbilt University. Later that year, I moved to Auburn and joined the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) as an extension specialist and coordinator of the visual resources unit. In 1999 I was named co-leader of Extension Communications, while continuing my earlier assignment. In 2007, I changed roles to become Extension's lead person for disaster education, assume greater responsibility for Alabama's role in eXtension, and collaborate on program and staff development. I have worked in program design and development, instructional methods and materials, adult development and team building, leadership development (communication skills, presentation skills, and conflict management), technology (distance education, videography, and still photography), and disaster education.

I became the Alabama representative to EDEN (Extension Disaster Education Network) in 2003. In 2006, I was elected to serve as secretary to the EDEN Executive Committee, and in 2007, assumed managerial/administrative responsibilities for the Disaster Issues Community of Practice—the EDEN-supported eXtension CoP. In 2010, I became EDEN Chair for a two-year term.

Throughout my tenure with Extension, I have conducted workshops on presentation skills, interpersonal communication skills, instructional design, learning styles, ethics in the workplace, and disaster preparedness. In addition, I wrote "Public Speaking," a chapter in the Communicator's Handbook, third and fourth editions. Extension publications include "Green Industry: Planning to Continue Business Following a Disaster," "Ready Tip" and "Notes from Ground Level." I am also responsible for the ACES EDEN site (www.aces.edu/eden).

Contact Information

firstname.lastname@example.com

PH: 334-844-5699
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/68736/gregory-martin Gregory Martin 2014-06-11T17:14:37Z

Gregory is an Extension educator in poultry for Penn State University Extension. His areas of expertise are in poultry production and management, mortality composting, emergency preparedness, veterinary IPM, and animal welfare. He works with all major poultry production species, and has experience in both large and small scale meat and egg production and processing.

Gregory earned his B.S. in Poultry Industry from Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo, Calif. He later earned an MBA from the same institution, and then earned a Ph.D. in Poultry Science from Texas A&M University in College Station. Dr. Martin has lectured in poultry science at three universities and continues to support youth poultry activities in poultry for the 4H and FFA programs.

Gregory has commercial poultry experience working in the broiler, layer and turkey industries. He is a registered professional animal scientist (PAS) and certified animal welfare auditor in poultry.

Dr. Martin's research interests are in environmental impacts in poultry, pest control, and computer applications in agriculture. Gregory serves in more than one eXtension community of practice and is a representative on the Penn State institutional team for eXtension.

Contact Information

Gregory P Martin, Ph.D., PAS

Email: email@example.com

Penn State University Extension, Poultry

Dr. Martin's Blog - The Birds Nest

Dr. Martin's Extension website
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/68892/sonja-koukel Sonja Koukel 2014-06-11T17:13:46Z

Sonja Koukel, PhD

Sonja Koukel, PhD, is Assistant Professor and New Mexico State University Extension Community and Environmental Health Specialist in the Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Department. She maintains a Healthy Homes Specialist Certification through the National Environmental Health Association and also serves as the Co-Director of the Southwest Border Food Safety and Defense Center. Koukel's teaching, research and outreach activities include the emerging Affordable Health Care Act, food protection and safety, healthy homes and workplaces, and emergency planning and preparedness. Dr. Koukel earned her doctorate in Family and Consumer Sciences Education with a focus in Educational Instructional Technology at Texas Tech University, Lubbock.

Contact Information

Sonja Koukel, PhD

Extension Community & Environmental Health Specialist

Co-Director SW Border Food Safety & Defense Center

Extension Family & Consumer Sciences

New Mexico State University

MSC 3AE PO Box 30003

Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003

Phone: 575-646-3006

Fax: 575-646-1889

Twitter: @skoukel

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/69967/frank-wideman Frank Wideman 2014-06-11T17:11:48Z

Frank Wideman is a Natural Resources Engineering Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension. He specializes in natural resource management, water quality, farm and home energy and emerging technologies. He includes GIS, GPS, and Remote Sensing in all those areas. He also utilizes distance education, social media, and community resource management to develop these programs. He is currently serving as an eXtension Question Wrangler along with his duties for University of Missouri. Frank has a B.S. & M.S. in Agricultural Engineering, both from University of Missouri.

Currently, Frank is working on projects that include natural resource management and energy conservation and alternative energy sources. His emphasis is on using the emerging technologies to solve local community issues and needs with science based information.

Contact Information:

Email: firstname.lastname@example.com

phone: 573-547-4504
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/31084/spill-prevention-control-and-countermeasures Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures 2014-05-15T19:43:23Z
If your farm stores oil, fuel, or oil products, you should take note of the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) program. This rule applies to storages of a certain size and places some planning requirements on the farm. Speakers also discuss the proposed exemption for certain milk containers.

Reminder: Farms now have less than one year to prepare or amend and implement their Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans. The compliance date for farms is May 10, 2013.

NOTE: This presentation was originally broadcast on November 19, 2010 and the speakers discuss a proposed exemption for certain milk containers. On April 18, 2011, EPA published a final rule amending the SPCC regulations to exempt milk and milk product containers, associated piping and appurtenances. The capacity of the exempt milk and milk product containers, piping and appurtenances should not be included in a facility's total oil storage capacity calculation to determine if the facility is subject to SPCC. For more information on the milk exemption, see EPA's SPCC and milk page.

More about the webcast...

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The SPCC Rule and Recent Amendments

Troy Swackhammer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Emergency Management (29 minutes)
Download a Copy of This Segment (29 MB)
Presentation Slides

NRCS Pilot Initiative to Help Comply with On-Farm Oil Spill Regulation

Troy Swackhammer - presentation developed by Carol Galloway for NRCS (4 minutes)
Download a Copy of This Segment (4.2 MB)
Presentation Slides

SPCC Guidance and Template for Dairy Producers

David Hickey, Director of Government Relations, National Milk Producers Federation (9 minutes)
Download a Copy of This Segment (9.8 MB)
Presentation Slides

Question and Answer

All Speakers (19 minutes)

Download a Copy of This Segment (19.9 MB)

Continuing Education Units

Certified Crop Advisers (CCA, CPAg, or CPSS)

View the archive and take the quiz. Visit the  CCA continuing education page for additional CEU opportunities.

American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS)

View the archive and report your attendance to ARPAS via their website. Visit the  ARPAS continuing education page for additional CEU opportunities.

Additional Resource and Links

Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule

EPA's SPCC website for Agriculture

SPCC Information for Farmers, factsheet

Compliance Deadline Extension for Farms

Tools to help you create your SPCC plan

EPA Frequent Questions and Answers

NRCS Factsheet

SPCC Plan Template

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/13183/contagious-agalactia Contagious Agalactia 2014-04-28T21:52:14Z

Contagious Agalactia is a highly contagious disease that affects dairy sheep and goats. Mainly caused by the Mycoplasma agalactiae bacteria in sheep and goats, this disease has also been linked to M capricolum capricolum, M mycoides LC, and M putrefaciens in goats. Contagious Agalactia is transmitted through ingestion of food, milk, water, colostrum or other body fluids contaminated with M. agalactiae. Contagious Agalactia has been known for the past 200 years and can cause severe economic loss from mastitis and decreased milk production.

Where Is the Disease Found?

Southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and India.

Can the Disease Affect People?

Contagious Agalactia is not a public health threat.

What are Signs of the Disease?

Fever

Lethargy

Decreased appetite

Decreased milk production

Yellow milk that may become lumpy and can obstruct the teat

Lameness

Swollen joints

Arthritis

Inability to stand/walk

Keratoconjunctivitis (pinkeye)

Pneumonia especially in young animals

Abortion

Can It Be Treated?

Contagious Agalactia may be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin and most animals will recover. Any animal suspected of having Contagious Agalactia should be reported to the State Veterinarians or USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge immediately.

How Can the Disease Be Prevented?

Vaccinations are available for Contagious Agalactia. Introduction and spread of the disease may be prevented by developing a vaccination protocol and sound biosecurity practices.

Where Can I Find Additional Information?

 Contagious Agalactia Iowa State University

 Contagious Agalactia Merck Veterinary Manual

 Contagious Agalactia Testing – IDEXX Ruminant Diagnostics

 Contagious Agalactic Video YouTube

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/65482/equine-piroplasmosis Equine Piroplasmosis 2014-04-07T15:03:58Z

American dog tick Dermacentor variabilis
 Susan Ellis, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

What Is It and Why Should I Care?

Equine Piroplasmosis is a protozoal blood parasite disease of equines such as horses, donkeys, mules and zebras. The parasites are usually transmitted by ticks that feed on equines, but can also be spread from animal-to-animal by the transfer of blood in contaminated needles and syringes. The parasites that cause Equine Piroplasmosis are Theileria equi (formerly Babesia equi) and Babesia caballi. Incursions of the infection into the United States are taken very seriously because the tick species capable of supporting an endemic disease situation are already present in the United States. Parts of Texas have been under restriction since a clinical case of Equine Piroplasmosis occurred in 2009 and more than 290 horses on one ranch had evidence of infection.

Where Is the Disease Found?

Equine Piroplasmosis is present in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern and Southern Europe. On the other hand, the United States, Canada, Japan, Australasia, Great Britain and Ireland are not considered endemic areas. Equine Piroplasmosis is not considered endemic in the United States even though occasional outbreaks occur.

Can the Disease Affect People?

Human infection with Equine Piroplasmosis is extremely rare and horses with the disease do not pose a threat to humans.

What are Signs of the Disease?

An equine infected with Equine Piroplasmosis can take 7 to 22 days to present with signs of illness. The disease may present as mild or acute. An equine with a mild case of Equine Piroplasmosis may appear weak and without an appetite. More severe cases include fever, anemia, swollen abdomen, jaundiced mucous membranes, and labored breathing. Additionally, rough hair coat, red urine due to hemoglobinuria, and nervous system disturbances may occur. Death may occur in acute cases. Some infected horses show no signs of illness.

More acute cases generally occur in areas where Equine Piroplasmosis is not normally present and horses do not have resistance to the disease. Horses that survive the infection still carry the parasite for long periods of time and therefore are a potential source of the disease agent for other horses.

Can It Be Treated?

Presently, there are no vaccines or specific treatments for Equine Piroplasmosis. Medications are available for supportive care and to maintain comfort of affected animals.

How Can the Disease Be Prevented?

Preventing the transmission of Equine Piroplasmosis involves avoiding blood transfer between animals through biting ticks, needles, surgical instruments and blood transfusions. In general using disinfectants and proper sanitation can help prevent the spread of disease, but is not the most effective means of preventing tick-borne diseases.

Where Can I Find Additional Information?

 Equine Piroplasmosis - USDA APHIS

 Equine Piroplasmosis - APHIS Equine Piroplasmosis Information

 Equine Piroplasmosis - Iowa State University Fact Sheet

 Equine Piroplasmosis - American Association of Equine Practitioners Resource Page

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/26187/contagious-bovine-pleuropneumonia-cbpp Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) 2014-04-07T14:58:49Z

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an infectious disease of cattle caused by the Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides bacteria. CBPP causes inflammation and enlargement of the lungs. This inflammation can lead to fluid accumulation in the chest cavity and destruction of lung tissue. Damaged areas of lung often harden and adhere to the chest wall, which interferes with effective breathing and causes cattle to die from lack of oxygen.
 CBPP is spread through the inhalation of airborne droplets from coughing/sneezing animals. Direct cow-to-cow contact is necessary for the disease to spread. Transplacental infection of the fetus can occur.

Where Is the Disease Found?

CBPP is endemic to parts of Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and parts of India and China; with minor outbreaks in the Middle East. Countries free of CBPP include the US, UK, and Australia.

Can the Disease Affect People?

CBPP is not a public health threat.

What are Signs of the Disease?

Fever

Moist coughing from exercise

Painful, shallow, and difficult breathing

Reluctance to move

Stance with head extended, mouth open, protruding tongue and turned-out elbows

Grunting/groaning

Frothy oral discharge

Emaciation

Swollen, painful joints (calves)

Can It Be Treated?

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, complement fixation test, and necropsy. Treatment is recommended only in endemic areas because the organisms may not be eliminated, and carriers may develop. The treatment for these areas is a series of 6 injections of Tylosin. Any cow suspected of having Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia should be reported to the State Veterinarians or USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge immediately.

How Can the Disease Be Prevented?

Vaccinations for CBPP exist but should only be used in endemic areas. The introduction of CBPP into the United States can be prevented by following basic biosecurity procedures including quarantine of animals of unknown health status.

Links

 CBPP Photos Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations The Merck Veterinary Manual

 Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia OIE

 Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia The Merck Veterinary Manual

 Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia Video - YouTube

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/37946/manage-drought-affected-corn-after-ear-set Manage Drought-Affected Corn After Ear Set 2014-03-28T00:03:08Z
For purposes here, we will define "drought" as severity and timing of dry weather that results in reduction in corn yield to less than one-half the expected yield. If you have crop insurance that covers drought, then consult your insurance company before you harvest the crop. If there is a market for using such corn for silage, many people prefer to do that since silage value depends less on grain yield. It is important not to wait too long to cut such silage—moisture content should be around 65%, depending on the storage structure. Expect yields of around one ton (of 65% moisture silage) per foot of corn plant cut. If silage is not an option, then grain should be harvested if the grain yield is high enough to pay for the harvest, drying, and storage costs. Corn grain quality in such cases depends on whether dry weather limited pollination and seed number, or whether the drought limited the amount of filling and thus the final kernel size. Some drought-affected corn grain may have a light test weight due to inadequate starch deposition. Kernels may also retain some sugars, which can darken as grain is artificially dried. Both low test weight and "heat-damaged" kernels can lower the price of corn grain. Because starch is deposited later than protein in the kernel, less starch may mean higher protein levels, and such grain might have more value as livestock feed than as cash grain. If grain yield is inadequate to pay these costs and the insurance company concurs (some might even request this to prevent harvest), it might make sense to disc the crop to prevent weed growth and to start the breakdown of crop residue. If corn is planted the year following the drought, it usually benefits from having less crop residue to contend with, and unless the weather in the fall and spring is unusually wet, carryover nitrogen from the drought-affected crop should be available for the next crop. We estimate this by subtracting the yield (in bushels) of the drought-affected crop from the amount of N fertilizer (lb N) applied to that crop, and taking half of this difference as the amount of N available to the next crop.

Additional resource:

Managing Drought Stressed Corn
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/39416/manage-drought-affected-corn-prior-to-earset Manage Drought Affected Corn Prior to Earset 2014-03-28T00:01:04Z
The first issue for most corn producers may be protecting farm program and crop insurance benefits. It is our understanding that regular farm program payments will be received regardless of how the corn is used. But silage has been eligible for Loan Deficiency Payment (LDP) in the past, while grazing has not been eligible. Of course, not much LDP is available for a 0 bushel grain crop! Federal disaster eligibility still is a totally different question that you need to check into before you do anything. Corn can be harvested as hay (much like cane hay, with a thick, slow-drying stalk), as silage, or grazed. It has the potential to solve some of the forage/feed shortage caused by drought, although getting corn forage to the animals or bringing animals to the forage remains a logistics challenge. Challenges for hay include: • Mechanics of harvest (especially cutting): Bale integrity often is less desirable than for other forages (especially in round bales). • Nitrates: Testing is a must, and cutting at taller stubble heights will help. • Feed value/feeding: Grinding may be needed to limit refusal and waste of stems. Silage is an excellent choice for reducing nitrate problems; an average of one-third to one-half of nitrates are neutralized during fermentation. Standing corn will remain too wet for a long time due to stalk retention of moisture. Waiting until crop dries to desired 65% moisture, windrowing and field wilting to reduce moisture, or mixing wet chop with dry feeds like corn grain or chopped hay can overcome the moisture problem. Silage does not transport well, so it makes for a poor cash crop unless livestock are near. If you consider grazing as an option for using your drought corn field, make sure you fill the cattle up on hay before you turn them out. Most deaths to cattle because of nitrates are of cattle that are hungry and are allowed access to a feed that has nitrates. Grazing will have some nitrate concerns, depending on how completely animals are forced to eat the lower stalks. Bigger challenges are fencing and water because most fields do not have these resources. But many are winter grazed using temporary fencing and hauled water, so this problem can be overcome. Grazing management, such as strip grazing, will be needed if efficient use is desired; otherwise cattle will trample and waste a huge portion of the crop. Again, do not force cattle to graze the lower 8 inches of the stalk where most of the nitrates will accumulate. If animals are given the opportunity to selective graze, they will select the leaves first, followed by the upper portion of the stalk, and these parts of the plant typically do not pose nitrate concerns. Nutritionally, drought-damaged corn easily should be close to adequate for beef cows, dry or with suckling calves, and replacement heifers. Salt should be supplemented, and a mineral containing some phosphorus is likely needed through the breeding season.

Additional Resource

Managing Drought Stressed Corn
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/35289/protect-your-lawn-during-drought Protect Your Lawn During Drought 2014-03-27T23:56:12Z
Heat and moisture stresses placed on both cool-season and warm-season grasses will force them into a dormant stage. Just because they are brown does not mean they are dead. Normally, cool-season grass (tall fescue and ryegrass) will rebound in the fall when temperatures cool and rain is more abundant. Warm-season grasses will rebound in the spring after periods of adequate rainfall and when temperatures warm to optimal growing conditions. A prolonged drought period could do permanent damage to lawns without supplemental and deep watering. Watering for longer intervals, less frequently will encourage deeper root systems and be less stressful to the plant. Dormant lawns should receive at least an inch of water every two or three weeks during the summer to prevent complete turf loss. Grasses may not show a noticeable greening, but the amount of irrigation should be sufficient to hydrate the lower plant portions and increase the recovery once adequate moisture is available.

Some species of turf possess deeper root systems which allow them greater access to soil water during drought conditions. In addition, some species require less water than others. Tall fescue has better drought tolerance than Kentucky bluegrass and generally requires little or no irrigation except during extended drought.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/65250/i-am-a-caregiver-how-can-i-prepare-to-shelter-in-place I am a caregiver. How can I prepare to shelter in place? 2014-03-27T23:55:04Z
There are a number of important things you should do to prepare to shelter in place. One of the most important is to prepare a disaster kit. This kit should include water, food, clothing, bedding, first aid needs, prescription and nonprescription drugs, sanitation, special individual requirements, and important documents. For more information, visit: Considerations for Evacuating and Sheltering.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/9366/get-a-disaster-supplies-kit Get a Disaster Supplies Kit 2014-03-27T23:48:17Z
You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. Households should be self-sufficient for at least three days (72 to 96 hours). This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last at least three days. The more severe the disaster, the longer you may be on your own. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for rescue workers to meet your family's needs. That's why it's vital to have a supplies kit on hand to be able to sustain yourself until assistance is available. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week or longer.

Planning ahead will give you peace of mind. Put together a disaster supply kit with basics for you and others you care for if you need to evacuate your home or shelter in place.

The Basic Supply Kit

Remember that your family or caregiving situation may require something different or additional supplies. This list is a starting point. Every situation is unique. In some cases, you may need two sets of supplies. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.

When preparing for a possible emergency situation, think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

According to Ready.gov, a basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

 Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

 Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit

Whistle to signal for help

Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Manual can opener for food

Local maps

Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

 Other Items

Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items:

Prescription medications, hearing aid batteries and extra eye glasses. If you are responsible for providing care for someone who is disabled, review the medical supply checklist.

Infant formula and diapers

Pet food and extra water for your pet

Cash or traveler's checks and change

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.

Emergency reference material such as a first aid book

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

Fire extinguisher

Matches in a waterproof container

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

Paper and pencil

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

For more information, see Ready.gov, Be Red Cross Ready or the Extension Disaster Education Network Family Preparedness course.

In addition to a disaster supplies, write out a family disaster plan.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/30026/family-disaster-plan Family Disaster Plan 2014-03-27T23:38:49Z
Family Disaster Plan

Having a plan can help your family make it through most disasters with minimal stress. A family disaster plan simply helps you organize information so it's easy to access before, during or after a disaster.

Begin the process by completing a Family Emergency Plan document like the one at www.ready.gov or by University of Missouri Extension. Fill in phone numbers, out-of-town contacts, meeting places and information about each family member and pets. Include information about insurance and finances, the home itself and its contents. Include how to communicate with family members, school and work contacts, and other important information.

Know the school's policy about when children will be evacuated or held at school, and plan for children in child care. Have a family meeting to talk about this information and what you would do if family members are not home when a warning is issued. Agree on safe places inside and outside the home.

Also, plan for emergencies that may only affect your family, such as a home fire.

Plan two ways out of each room.

Practice the escape plans with home fire drills.

Designate a meeting location near but safely away from your home, such as a neighbor's house.

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/44289/protect-your-drinking-water-well-from-going-dry Protect your drinking water well from going dry 2014-03-27T22:28:49Z
When dry or drought conditions exist, water conservation measures could reduce the likelihood of your well going dry.

If your drinking water well goes dry, you need to consider local conditions affecting your well. Is there a drought that is worse than usual? Has this happened during other droughts? Are your neighbors experiencing similar problems? Have you observed other changes in your well, such as changes in taste or smell of the water? Is there a new industrial, commercial, or agricultural water user nearby that is drawing more water than normal? Answers to these questions will help you determine if you have problems due to a falling water table or a failing well. Deepening a well may be beneficial and ensure a more drought-resistant water supply if you have a dropping water table. Deepening a well is not a guarantee, however, that you will get more water. Redeveloping an existing well may also make it more efficient. Hydrofracturing, a technique that uses high-pressure water to open fractures in surrounding rock, and thereby increase water flow, may also improve your water supply.

Contact a licensed well driller in your area for recommendations and assistance to determine which strategy may work best in your situation. Also, exploring water usage with the local department of natural resources may reveal other issues affecting water availability.

Additional resource:

Managing Your Private Drinking Water Well During Drought
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/9367/vaccinations-for-caregivers-and-older-adults Vaccinations for Caregivers and Older Adults 2014-02-11T21:26:06Z

If you are not taking care of yourself then you cannot take care of someone else. This refrain, while sensible, often does not hit home with caregivers until it is too late. While there are many ways caregivers may take care of themselves, one of the best is through preventive vaccinations.

Pneumonia and the flu are leading causes of death among older adults; however, these conditions may be prevented by receiving their respective vaccinations. The flu vaccination requires an injection once per year. The pneumonia vaccination requires a one-time injection. Medicare Part "B" provides for these two vaccinations: annually for the flu and once for pneumonia.

In addition to vaccinations for the flu and pneumonia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following vaccinations or boosters for adults:

Tetanus/Diphtheria

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

Hepatitis "A" and "B"

Varicella (Chicken Pox)

Meningitis

For more information, talk to your health provider or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccines & Immunization Program.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/9381/disaster-preparation-for-people-with-alzheimers-disease Disaster Preparation for People with Alzheimer's Disease 2014-02-11T21:23:51Z

In a disaster, you may become separated from the person for whom you provide care. Be prepared for this possibility by

writing a detailed description of the care receiver's needs - including tips for helping them to become or remain calm in times of stress or excitement

make copies of this list and distribute it to members of the support team

place a copy of this list with your other disaster supplies, especially things you plan to take in the event of an evacuation.

The Alzheimer's Association has a program called Safe Return that can help if you are separated from your loved one in an emergency. Safe Return stores vital information about you and the person you care for that can be requested to help reunite you. The Association also provides Safe Return alert jewelry that allows first responders to identify individuals. There is a small enrollment fee and an annual fee for this service.

For more information, contact the Alzheimer's Association: www.alz.org. There you will find information on Safe Return in addition to many fact sheets related to coping with Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency website - of particular note, this website has a section specifically aimed at helping you tailor a disaster plan for your needs.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/9388/medications-are-important-during-a-disaster-so-be-prepared Medications Are Important During a Disaster, so Be Prepared 2014-02-11T20:40:46Z
If you take medicine or use a medical treatment on a daily basis, be sure you have what you need to make it on your own for at least a week, maybe longer.

Make a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take. Include the dosage of each and other treatments. Also note any food and drug allergies. Keep this list with you at all times. This will be important information if you are evacuated and have to see a doctor in another town.

If you receive your prescriptions from a pharmacy that is part of a national chain, their computer system may have your records so that they can fill your prescription wherever you evacuate. Otherwise, you will need to have extra prescriptions for your medications on hand so that they can be filled. Talk with your doctor and/or pharmacist about specific steps to help you get prepared in case of a disaster.

If you receive medication or other benefits through Medicare and/or Medicaid, they usually provide waivers to receive those services in an evacuation location. Check with your local Health and Human Services office or Medicare for additional information.

Keeping Medications Cold During a Disaster

Many medications have specific storage instructions that must be followed. For example, some medications must be kept cool. Talk to your health care provider and/or pharmacist about how long your medication will be good without cold storage. Ask if the medication can be safely stored and transported in an ice chest or other cooler. See if your pharmacist has any recommendations for how to obtain new medication once you reach your destination.

Special Considerations for Persons with Diabetes

Everyone needs to be prepared for emergencies–but a person with diabetes has additional issues to consider. When establishing your disaster preparation kit, include a seven-day supply of some diabetic foods and a seven-day supply of medications and testing equipment. Blood sugar levels should be carefully monitored during an emergency because the added stress may cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate more than normal.

People with diabetes should tell rescue workers and/or shelter staff that they have diabetes. They should also drink plenty of clean water, watch what they eat, and stick with the regular testing and medication schedule.

For more information, visit http://www.ready.gov/seniors.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/9383/disaster-planning-for-older-adults-and-adults-with-disabilities Disaster Planning for Older Adults and Adults With Disabilities 2014-02-11T20:40:12Z
Basic disaster preparation includes the assembly of a disaster kit. This kit could be used in the home or in a public storm shelter. Visit Get a Disaster Supplies Kit for more information regarding recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit.

Caregivers have unique needs

According to specialists at the Mississippi State Emergency Management Agency, there are three actions a caregiver should take when planning in advance for a disaster:

1. Establish a network team

One of the most important things a caregiver can do ahead of time is to establish a support network team. This team should have at least three people and can include neighbors, friends, relatives, volunteers and/or staff from social service agencies. Together, the team should decide how they will communicate during a disaster, and how they will help the caregiver before, during or after a disaster.

2. Determine the needs of the person receiving care

The caregiver should develop a list of the care recipient's special needs, including medications, dietary requirements, and special equipment.

3. Identify and know your community resources

Before a disaster, caregivers should determine what kinds of community assistance will be available to help in times of need. Social service agencies may have a registry for those who need special assistance. Some shelters are able to accommodate people with special needs, such as the assistance of service animals, while some shelters are not. It will be important to identify these shelters before a crisis.

Related resources about disaster preparedness:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Emergency Preparedness Concerns for Older Adults: http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=10778 (Audio)

Federal Emergency Management Agency - Preparing Makes Sense for People With Disabilities and Special Needs: http://www.ready.gov/document/preparing-makes-sense-people-disabilities-and-special-needs

 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/9386/disaster-preparedness:-evacuating-and-sheltering Disaster Preparedness: Evacuating and Sheltering 2014-02-11T20:34:34Z

How Can I Shelter in Place?

There are a number of important things you should do to prepare to shelter in place, especially if you plan to  shelter in your home. One of the most important things is to prepare a disaster kit for remaining at home. This kit should include water, food, clothing, bedding, first aid needs, prescription and non-prescription medicines, sanitation and special individual requirements, and important documents.

For specifics on exactly what to assemble, see A Disaster Kit for Staying at Home: www.ces.ncsu.edu/disaster/factsheets/html/96.html.

In addition to the standard disaster kit, caregivers may need to gather and prepare other items. The following suggestions are from the Mississippi State Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency:

Special equipment for feeding or respiration

Special foods to meet dietary requirements

Equipment for personal care, such as a shower bench

Regular medical treatments, such as dialysis

Communications equipment, such as adaptive hearing or sight devices

Backup for electricity-dependent equipment

Medicine or prescriptions for a minimum of two weeks

Mobility aids, such as a wheelchair or walker

Service animals and their food and care items

Preparation for Access and Functional Needs

Evacuation is difficult under any circumstances, but evacuating someone who needs special care requires extra planning. Fortunately, Red Cross has designated specific sites in each locale as "special needs or medical needs shelters."

Special needs shelters are prepared with staff, equipment and basic medical supplies to provide ongoing care for people whose medical conditions require more care than the typical Red Cross shelter can provide but who do not require hospitalization. Most special needs shelters require you to preregister.

To find out where your local special needs shelters are located and to preregister, contact your city or county emergency management agency. For more detailed information about preparations for access and functional needs, visit http://www.ready.gov/individuals-access-functional-needs.

Will a Service Animal Be Allowed Into the Shelter?

When told to evacuate, it will be important to take the service animal with you. However, check with the local sheltering authority to see if service animals are allowed at evacuation facilities.

Many states designate shelters that allow animals. Other shelters may prohibit them.

Be sure to plan ahead for the supplies the service animal will need, as you are preparing your own supplies. The animal will need food, water, medications, sanitary and other types of supplies to evacuate safely. Shelters may require documentation that the animal is a service animal and that it has been vaccinated.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/9365/medical-supply-checklist Medical Supply Checklist 2014-02-11T20:30:33Z

Disability-Related Supplies and Special Equipment

Check the items you use, describe them and note where they're located.

____Glasses:

____Eating utensils:

____Grooming utensils:

____Dressing devices:

____Writing devices:

____Hearing device:

____Oxygen:

Flow rate:

____Suction equipment:

____Dialysis equipment:

____Sanitary supplies:

____Urinary supplies:

____Ostomy supplies:

____Wheelchair:

Wheelchair repair kit:

Motorized:

Manual:

____Walker:

____Crutches:

____Cane(s):

____Dentures:

____Monitors:

____Other:

Service Animal and Pet Supplies

____Food:

____Extra water:

____Leash/harness:

____Collar:

____Identification tags:

____Medications:

____Vaccinations and medical records:

Have a Plan

Although planning for a disaster can be frightening, having a plan in place can help you and the person you care for feel more secure.

 For more information, download the American Red Cross's Be Red Cross Ready factsheet: www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/Preparedness/checklists/Be_Red_Cross_Ready.pdf.
 Contributors http://www.extension.org:80/pages/9384/voluntary-versus-mandatory-evacuations Voluntary Versus Mandatory Evacuations 2014-02-11T20:28:26Z

The Federal Emergency Management Agency defines evacuations as the organized, phased and supervised movement of people from dangerous or potentially dangerous areas. Some evacuations occur without the direction of government officials. This happens when residents either perceive of or are aware of an actual emergency and evacuate an area on their own. Voluntary and Mandatory/Directed Evacuations involve government direction.

The definitions for these follow:

 Voluntary Evacuation. A warning to persons within a designated area that a threat to life and property exists or is likely to exist in the immediate future. Individuals issued this type of warning or order are NOT required to evacuate, but it would be to their advantage to do so.

 Mandatory or Directed Evacuation. A warning to persons within the designated area that an imminent threat to life and property exists and individuals MUST evacuate in accordance with the instructions of local officials.

One factor to consider when deciding whether or not to evacuate is the type of disaster or emergency. Some emergencies allow you time to prepare (such as hurricanes or winter storms), others can come upon you quickly (such as flooding, wildfires or tornadoes).

If you live in a flood-prone area, it's best to evacuate during the voluntary phase so you will have enough time to move. Flood waters can come upon you suddenly and trap you, making it difficult or impossible to leave at a later time.

If you feel you will need assistance in moving the individual you care for, it's best to plan early and move early. If you wait too late to evacuate, you may not be able to find friends or neighbors to help you.

If you choose not to evacuate during the voluntary phase, it is imperative that you monitor the emergency situation closely.

Whatever you decide, it is extremely important to have an evacuation plan. FEMA provides some guidelines to help you prepare: http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/evacuation.shtm.

Source: SLG 101: Guide for All-Hazard Emergency Operations Planning, FEMA, 1996.
 Contributors