Bird Flu Found in Local Fox Kits
Bird flu is making its way into local wild mammals. The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus was found in young red foxes, or kits, from Lapeer, Macomb, and St. Clair counties. The virus mainly affects poultry, waterfowl, raptors, and scavengers.
The fox kits were reported to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources because of signs of illness they were exhibiting. Two foxes died within hours of collection, one at a later time, and one survived, but it developed blindness and is now housed at a nature center.
Megan Moriarty, the state wildlife veterinarian with the DNR, said, “HPAI H5N1 viruses may occasionally transmit from birds to mammals, as occurred in these cases, and there may be additional detections in other mammals during this outbreak, but they likely will be isolated cases. At this point, it is unclear how the fox kits became infected, but it’s possible that they were exposed by consuming infected birds, such as waterfowl.”
How to Report Suspected HPAI:
Calling the DNR Wildlife Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030.
Calling a local DNR field office to speak to a field biologist.
Using the DNR’s Eyes in the Field app. Choose the “diseased wildlife” reporting option.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
Sergeant Todd Leveille’s Name Added to MSP Fallen Trooper Memorial
It’s National Police Week and to honor it, the Michigan State Police added Sergeant Todd Leveille’s name to the Fallen Trooper Memorial at the MSP Training Academy.
Leveille, who resided in Port Huron Township at the time of his passing, died on December 9th, 2021, after a duty-related exposure to COVID-19, according to the State Police.
Leveille was a 25-year veteran of the State Police and won the “Trooper of Year” award in 2005. He served at the Lapeer post. Leveille left behind a daughter and many family members and friends.
Leveille is one of 55 Michigan State Troopers who have been lost in the line of duty.
The Michigan State Police Fallen Trooper Memorial is located near Lansing. It is funded entirely with private donations. The memorial was constructed in 2001.
National Police Week occurs every year in May to honor the law enforcement community and pay respect to those who have fallen in the line of duty.
Go to WGRT.com for information on donating to the MSP Fallen Trooper Memorial.
https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/training/academy-news/fallen-trooper-memorial
Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland
Lake Huron Medical Center Earns “A” in Patient Safety
Lake Huron Medical Center has once again been nationally recognized for hospital safety. The Port Huron hospital, a member of Prime Healthcare, has received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade.
Leah Binder, President and CEO of the Leapfrog Group said, “As our health care system continues to feel the strain of the pandemic, I thank the workforce and leadership of Lake Huron Medical Center for sustained commitment to patient safety, day in and day out.”
The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harm to patients. The grading results are free for the public to view and are peer-reviewed.
Katie Cox, Director of Nursing for LHMC said, “We are honored to be recognized for this distinguished award at Lake Huron Medical Center for the eighth time in a row. Our team works hard every day to ensure that our patients receive top-notch, safe, quality, and compassionate care.
Cox said that having a five-star rated hospital in the community means that patients have access to the highest quality care available in St. Clair County.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
No Poultry Exhibits at Fairs Thanks to Bird Flu
The spread of Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu is causing some changes to summer traditions like poultry exhibits and petting zoos at fairs, like the St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair. Poultry exhibits are now temporarily prohibited.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s State Veterinarian, Dr. Nora Wineland, said, “MDARD is committed to protecting the health of all Michigan’s domestic birds. Preventative measures are the best and only tools we have to limit the negative impact of HPAI. By exercising this necessary precaution, we can wait for the warmer, drier weather needed to kill the virus without creating conditions that could worsen the problem.”
Dr. Wineland said, “By taking this step now, it is hoped that poultry exhibitors can still participate in fair activities once circumstances have improved.” Poultry exhibits can be reinstated once the state goes thirty days with no new cases of the Bird Flu.
The contagious virus was found in a commercial poultry operation in Muskegon and has been found in several backyard coops and in wild birds. MDARD says that the virus does not pose a food safety risk if poultry and eggs are cooked and handled properly.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
ISO Features “Our Immortal Stars” Photography Exhibit
The International Symphony Orchestra’s ISObar Gallery in Sarnia will be opening the “Our Immortal Stars” exhibition on June 3rd. The highly anticipated local gallery showing features the work of Bright’s Grove’s Richard Beland.
Beland said, “Because I primarily work in the music industry, I find myself drawing parallels between my vocation and that of a career-minded musician. A collection of photographs equates to a band’s latest album and an exhibition is the live performance.”
The International Symphony Orchestra said that this is the first solo gallery show at the ISObar, located at 143 Christina Street in Sarnia, and is meant to feature a hometown success story as they kick off their first solo gallery show.
The ISO Nexus Players will provide musical accompaniment featuring selections from David Bowie, The Tragically Hip, and other artists featured in Beland’s photography, as well as an onstage interview with the artist, and special musical guests at the June 3rd opening.
The art installation is open through September 5th.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland