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2021 July

Posted by madeline.green | July 9, 2021

Pend Oreille County Fair Updates- 2021

 

The WSU Extension Office is looking forward to showcasing all of its programming; 4-H, Master Gardeners, SNAP-Ed, Natural Resources, etc.  For our 4-H youth we hope to see your sewing and/or other still life exhibits in the 4-H barn.

Remember, 4-H Leader Council is looking for someone to coordinate the 4-H Pop Stand.  For more information, call the Extension Office at: (509) 447-2401.  See you at fair! 

 

Request from 4-H Barn Superintendents

We would like to invite last years and this year’s 4-H members an opportunity to show at fair.  Does your club members have sewing and/or still life projects for the 4-H barn?  Last year 4-H member entries will be accepted!

4-H Kits

For those who have not yet made arrangements to pick up your 4-H kits from the Extension Office, they will be available in the 4-H barn, while supplies last.

 

Washington State outline with 4-H Clover inside


RESUMPTION OF 4-H

IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES UPDATE

Announcement Revised July 6, 2021


On March 11, Governor Inslee announced that all counties would move to phase 3 on March 22. On April 12, the Governor moved Pierce, Cowlitz and Whitman counties back to phase 2. On May 4, the Governor announced a two-week pause on phases. Under the pause, every county remained at the phase level it was in at that time. 

On June 30, 2021, Governor Inslee reopened Washington under the Washington Ready plan. For those who are not vaccinated, we recommend that they continue to wear masks indoors. Also, we encourage everyone to wear masks for safety and to model the behavior for youth, who are still required to wear masks.  

If an activity is conducted outdoors, there is no requirement to wear masks. However, people should continue to practice physical distancing of six feet, if possible.  

 Please work with your local County Extension 4-H Office if you have any questions.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

4-H In-Person Resources Page

Governor’s COVID19 Agricultural Events Guidance – March 19, 2021 – Link Updated March 24, 2021

Three County Rollback to Phase 2 Announcement by Governor Inslee –
April 12, 2021 News Release

Two-Week Pause on Phases Announcement by Governor Inslee –
May 4, 2021 News Release

Washington Department of Health Guidance for Child Care, Youth Development, and Day Camps During COVID-19 – Updated April 14, 2021


Global 4-H Digital Summit 2021 Website and Registration Link Are Now Live!

 

Welcome to the Global 4-H Digital Summit 2021

In order to stay connected in global 4-H during the pandemic of COVID-19, the Global 4-H Digital Summit 2021, organized by Korea 4-H & Taiwan 4-H from Asia 4-H Network organization and Canada 4-H, will be held from September 7th to 10th.

We are officially inviting you to attend and join us as speakers, presenters, experience sharers, and participants in developing and shaping the future of this great world’s youth.

The invited speakers will bring wisdom and knowledge from their fields of expertise to share with attendees through Thematic Presentations, 10 country reports, and presentations on Competency Building. In addition, there will be engagement activities such as 4-H experiences sharing and cultural show.
4-Hers around the world will demonstrate their amazing talents and share their cultures and traditions.

We look forward to meeting you at the Global 4-H Digital Summit 2021!

A more detailed invitation letter with program information is available by clicking HERE.

Information on Engagement Activity Programs can be found by clicking HERE.

The Global 4-H Network Digital Summit website is LIVE at https://global4h.org/

Registration is now open! The registration link is https://forms.gle/1LS4Adjt6DFA5qvh6

REGISTRATION CLOSES JULY 17TH!


Zoom Webinar Invitation  – In The Swine Barn:  Show Pig Preparation and Showmanship On July 9th

Attention all 4-H and FFA youth swine exhibitors!

The July “In The Swine Barn” webinar with WSU and SDSU Extension will focus on Swine Fitting and Showmanship with  Mr. Matthew Chaney from South Dakota State University. Matthew has successfully shown and fed numerous county fair and state fair champions.  During this hour-long live seminar on July 9th, from 2-3 PM PST, participants will learn clipping techniques for pigs, showmanship expectations, and show day preps to help your pig feel and show its best.

When: Jul 9, 2021 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Topic: In The Pig Barn: Show Pig Preparation and Showmanship

Register in advance for this webinar:
https://wsu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dWP0xMLdR-eKgEkV1yhPxQ

Or an H.323/SIP room system:
H.323:
162.255.37.11 (US West)
162.255.36.11 (US East)
115.114.131.7 (India Mumbai)
115.114.115.7 (India Hyderabad)
213.19.144.110 (Amsterdam Netherlands)
213.244.140.110 (Germany)
103.122.166.55 (Australia Sydney)
103.122.167.55 (Australia Melbourne)
149.137.40.110 (Singapore)
64.211.144.160 (Brazil)
149.137.68.253 (Mexico)
69.174.57.160 (Canada Toronto)
65.39.152.160 (Canada Vancouver)
207.226.132.110 (Japan Tokyo)
149.137.24.110 (Japan Osaka)
Meeting ID: 925 5350 0972
SIP: 92553500972@zoomcrc.com

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.


Pork Producers Summer Newsletter Features Informative Articles for Swine Project Youth!

 

The Washington Pork Producers Summer 2021 newsletter features lots of good articles for 4-H youth enrolled in the swine project, their leaders and parents.  Pay close attention to information on Heat Stress in Livestock, Feed Costs, Swine Biosecurity, Sunburned Pigs and Know your Pig and Test Your Knowledge.  Thanks to Sarah Smith and the Washington Pork Producers for sharing this information.

Link to the Newsletter HERE,


Yakima County 4-H Presents Zoom Series On Dairy Nutrition, Sustainability and Innovation

 

Yakima County’s 4-H National Agri-Summit Team: Jared Sheehan, Claire Sheehan, and Melissa Alberti  are presenting a Zoom series on Dairy Nutrition, Sustainability and Innovation

The Zoom Schedule is as follows:

Thursday, July 8, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
Milk from Cow to You  

Tuesday, August 3, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
Feeding the Cow, and What She Gives Back to Us  

Tuesday, August 18, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
Dairy Recycling, Sustainability, & Innovations 

For Zoom ID and Passcode, email Sarah at sarah.boerum@co.yakima.wa.us 


Priya Kumar Appointed to the National 4-H Youth Alumni Advisory Committee

 

In a tweet last week, Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEONational 4-H Council, announced that Priya Kumar of Skagit County 4-H was one of two appointees to the Youth Alumni Advisory Committee. There are only eleven youth on the committee from around the nation; they each serve a three year term.  Jennifer noted that, :These young women will provide fresh perspectives on how 4-H – through our young people – addresses our country’s most pressing issues and create change.”

Priya will be traveling to Washington D.C. in mid-September for meetings with National 4-H as well as to attend the Legacy Awards, along with Pillar Winner Mayyadah Zagelow, Nancy Deringer, and Anna Zagelow . This is usually a 4-H Oscar-type celebration live-streamed with a green carpet and fancy dress. No word yet on what this year’s version will look like!

Congratulations, Priya!!


The 4-H State Office wants to hear from you! Check Out “4-H Open Chat”

Nancy Deringer, State Director, and Jana Ferris, State Volunteer Specialist, are hosting three listening sessions, on July 15, August 10 and August 26 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM each evening. We want to hear from our 4-H Volunteer Leaders, 4-H Members, 4-H Families, and anyone else interested in the 4-H Youth Development Program.

Each session is an open session, so please come with questions, ideas, etc. Here is the zoom link:

Join Zoom Meeting from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android: https://wsu.zoom.us/j/94635029494?pwd=YzQ3dWhVeHduS01jSDNkY0dZeG1aQT09&from=addon

Meeting ID: 946 3502 9494
Passcode: 691120

Or join by phone:

US: +1 253 215 8782 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 946 3502 9494

We look forward to hearing from you!

Important Note: Both internal and external WSU meeting attendees must be signed into Zoom to join the meeting.
Please refer to this guide on Joining WSU Zoom Meetings before trying to join:
Joining Meetings and Best Practices

Join Zoom Meeting from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android: https://wsu.zoom.us/j/94635029494?pwd=YzQ3dWhVeHduS01jSDNkY0dZeG1aQT09&from=addon

Meeting ID: 946 3502 9494
Passcode: 691120

Join from WSU Conference Room System (Polycom)
1. Using the touch panel, or remote control, select ‘Place a call’
2. Enter the IP address including periods: 162.255.37.11
3. Press the pound key twice ‘##’
4. Enter the Meeting ID: 946 3502 9494
5. Press ‘Call’
6. Enter Passcode: 691120

Join from Conference Room System with SIP:
94635029494@zoomcrc.com

Share Screen/Content Wirelessly
Go to https://share.zoom.us and enter the Zoom Meeting ID: 946 3502 9494

Join by Telephone (long distance)
For higher quality, dial a number based on your current location.
Dial:
US: +1 253 215 8782 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 946 3502 9494
Phone one-tap: US: +12532158782,,94635029494# or +16699009128,,94635029494#

International numbers

For more information regarding WSU’s Zoom service, please go to its.wsu.edu/zoom


Know Your Government Core Team Calls For Youth Conference Facilitators!!

Know Your Government Shield

Hello KYG supporters,

Here we are in the middle of June 2021, and the KYG Core Team is thinking hard about what KYG 2022 will look like!! We are beginning to plan an in-person KYG Conference in Olympia for February 2022! While we are very excited to get folks together, we need to have your support in encouraging teens to apply for Conference Facilitator positions.

We cannot put on a meaningful KYG conference without the youth voice and involvement in planning and implementing the conference.

 Click Conference Facilitator Interest Form to access the application. It is also on the Facebook page WA State 4-H Know Your Government 

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Know Your Government Conference Facilitator! Please be sure to read through all parts of the questions and answer thoroughly! If you have any questions, please contact Carlie Arreola at carlie.arreola@gmail.com. If  you are selected, we will follow up with a more formal interview at a later date.

When we hosted a Zoom call in the spring we found volunteer and staff input was quite helpful in our moving into this next step.

Our topic continues to be the Legislative Process the curriculum will be familiar to those that participated in 2018.

As we navigate the planning process of so much new, unknown and ever-changing policy and guidelines we need to know we have support from staff and volunteers. We are still in early stages of planning and your feedback is valuable to us moving forward.

If at the county level you are able to gauge interest that will be helpful to the direction we take.

Our Core Team continues to meet 2 times a month – always innovating and rethinking the conference to include and engage high school students.

The SLACK channel is always open, if you need an invite let me know and of course my email is ready to hear from you. Dorothy.elsner@wsu.edu


June 26th Poultry and Fitting Workshop Recording Now Available!

Did you miss the Basic Poultry Fitting and Handling meeting on Saturday, June 26th with Explore 4-H with WSU Extension?  We had many requests to record the session; it is long, about two hours, as we had many questions from participants.  Please follow this link to watch the zoom recording of Basic Poultry Fitting and Handling:

https://wsu.zoom.us/rec/share/vx8zldzKknDpLEXDJKqruViVgdkowbZglrD4pagWT2_0YCeNwrTo8ne_zeTTHiNI.b2F9zOsJeMxQLgbC?startTime=1624737241000


Avian Influenza Webinar Scheduled for July 13th!

 

Please join APHIS leadership and poultry experts for a webinar on Tuesday, July 13, at 2:00 p.m. ET to discuss the global status of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), wild bird surveillance efforts, and our Defend the Flock outreach and education campaign.

Webinar Details

When:  Tuesday, July 13 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Who Should Attend:  Poultry producers, poultry industry associations and representatives of poultry sector auxiliary services

Registration:  Click here to register.  Once you submit your registration you will receive an email providing instructions on how to join the webinar.  Please feel free to forward this invitation to your colleagues but don’t share your registration information.

Agenda:

  • Welcome–Dr. Jack Shere, Associate Administrator
  • Global HPAI Situation and OIE Chapter Updates–Dr. Fidel Hegngi, APHIS Senior Staff Veterinarian
  • U.S. Wild Bird AI Surveillance Updates–Dr. Tom Gidlewski, APHIS Program Manager
  • Global AI Wild Bird Surveillance–Dr. Hon Ip, USGS Diagnostic and Research Virologist
  • Defend the Flock Campaign–Joelle Hayden, APHIS Public Affairs Specialist
  • Questions


ANIMAL ALERT:  Heat Wave On Its Way May Cause

Problems For Livestock Producers and Their Animals

 

Date:  June 24, 2021

From:

Donald A. Llewellyn, Ph.D.
Associate Professor/Livestock Extension Specialist
Washington State University Extension
don.llewellyn@wsu.edu   509-335-8759

Craig McConnel, DVM, Ph.D.
Associated Professor/Veterinary Medicine Extension
Washington State University Extension
cmcconnel@wsu.edu  509-335-0766

A heat wave is expected to engulf much of the Inland Northwest over the next week with daytime temperatures above 100 degrees in many areas.  These temperatures will put livestock and pet well-being at risk.  Commercial producers and youth with animal projects should prepare now for the upcoming heat and dangerous conditions.  Here are a few general suggestions to keep your animals safe, but also keep in mind each of the various species of domesticated animals will have specific needs.

  • Avoid stressful handling of livestock and if necessary only do so in the early morning hours or late in the evening.
  • If animals are in a barn or shed, ensure that they have proper ventilation and air circulation.
  • For animals outside, provide shade if possible.
  • Provide a continuous supply of cool, clean water.

Water is an important factor in allowing animals’ bodies to cool down and stay cool.  Sufficient water is particularly important for animals that are lactating or pregnant to ensure health of the nursing young and health of offspring at birth.  Watch for signs of dehydration (e.g. lethargy, drying of the mucous membranes and eyes, or eyes that appear sunken and dull).  Clean water is also important: Note that excessive heat and stagnant water can promote blue-green algae growth which has shown to be toxic to livestock, wildlife, and humans.  More information on blue-green algae can be found at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/livestock/cyanobacteria-poisoning-blue-green-algae. The following table provides some insight into the amount of water and feed required by livestock.

Remember that during times of heat stress, it may be necessary to reduce the energy intake (e.g. grains and concentrates) and increase fiber in the diets of animals such as 4-H steers and lambs to help mitigate heat stress.  In addition, endophyte infected forages (e.g. fescue or other forages or crop residues containing endophyte) should be avoided as they may exacerbate heat stress in cattle.

Heat stress can also be made worse by high humidity.  Animals find it more difficult to cool during times of high humidity.  In general, the Inland Northwest does not experience high humidity during the summer.  However, west of the Cascade Range the marine environment is more prone to higher humidity.  In addition, areas to the east of the Cascade Range with vast areas of irrigated farmland are an exception and can experience higher humidity.

During and following heat stress, watch for signs of respiratory disease and digestive disorders in livestock.  Wide temperature swings between day and night (say 40 degrees or more) can predispose livestock to infection.

Finally, high temperatures with low humidity increase the likelihood of wildfires across our region.  Have an emergency plan in place to guide you in times of high temperatures and also for disaster preparedness such as wildfires.   If you need assistance navigating this heat wave please contact your WSU Extension Specialists, County Extension Educators, Extension Veterinarians, or your local veterinarian.  Our animals depend on us!


WSU Extension Publication Details Mitigation of Livestock Heat Stress 

 

Susan Kerr, DVM, PhD, WSU Livestock and Dairy Extension Specialist notes:

The things to focus on are shade, COOL WATER, and no activity. Ice water bottles great for small animals. If using sprinklers to cool off animals such as cattle, pigs, horses or goats (HA! good luck catching them for this), use just a few minutes of big drops of cool water, then let it evaporate– that is how they will discharge heat the best. You can repeat this every half hour or as needed.

A very detailed publication is available at https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/management-practices-to-mitigate-livestock-heat-stressit may provide useful information.


Disaster Preparedness Fact Sheets Available Here!

 

Agencies and knowledgeable personnel are already predicting that we could have a terrible fire season this year.  Are you prepared for fire or other disasters?  These publications will help you, your family, communities be  prepared for whatever natural disaster my strike.  Thanks to Drs. Craig McConnel and Dale Moore for sharing these materials.

Janet L. Schmidt, WSU Extension Whitman County Director and 4-H Youth Educator

To view and/or download the fact sheet, click on the title below:

Ag Producer Safety During Wildfires

Establishing and Operating Animal Shelters

Establishing and Operating Disaster Information Centers

Forming and Engaging County Ag Response Teams

Disaster Go Bags

Livestock Handling During Disasters

Mitigating Impacts of Livestock Transportation Accidents

Practical Livestock Evacuation

Should an emergency strike, a handy publication that provides guidance on feeding large and small livestock can be found at the following link:  

Feeding Livestock In a Disaster


Participate in the SFC Killeen 4-H Summer Outdoor Challenge!

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Killeen was an outdoor enthusiast and 4-H volunteer. Washington State 4-H youth members are invited to take part in the 2021 4-H Summer Outdoor Challenge. Hike, bike, ride an equine, walk or paddle at least 25 miles outdoors between June 19 and September 26, 2021, to receive recognition and be entered to win prizes. Special recognition for 25 miles, 50 miles, and 100 miles completed. Submit an outdoor challenge log and photographs documenting your adventures to be entered to win! Get outdoors with or without your 4-H project (dog, pack goat, equine, llama); take your camera and record your miles! The idea is to be physically active and enjoy the outdoors! Please! No ATV’s or other motorized recreational vehicles!

Washington State 4-H members can participate! Simply do the following:

  • Hike, bike, ride an equine, walk or paddle outdoors between June 19 to September 26, 2021.
  • Keep track of your miles and take photographs of your adventures!
  • Submit your miles and photographs via an electronic form https://forms.gle/iAtqwttmHMFiPnmg9 by September 30, 2021. 

Questions? please e-mail to tc4h@co.thurston.wa.us


Reminder: Washington State 4-H Dairy Judging and Quiz Bowl Contests Coming July 20!

The State 4-H Dairy contests for Judging and Quiz Bowl determines the individuals that will represent Washington participating at the National events.  This year both contests will be held:

July 20, 2021
Fairgrounds in Monroe, Washington

9:00 am        4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest
12:30 pm      4-H Dairy Judging Contest

If you have an individual 4-H’er or team that wants to compete, please contact Gary Fredricks at 360-577-3014 Ext. 3 or at garyf@wsu.edu.



Virtual Table Setting Results Are In!

 

Thank you to all who entered the first statewide virtual table setting contest. Every entry received a certificate of participation but seven skilled youth are winners. Prizes were sent to the winners. The judges hope everyone enters their table setting into the 4-H State Fair.

The Winners Are:

Linnea from Frog Hollow 4-H Club Spokane County
Clairese from Quincy Sportsmen 4-H Club Grant County
Saren from Kalama Rough and Ready 4-H Club Cowlitz County
Jourdyn from Kalama Rough and Ready 4-H Club Cowlitz County
Jennifer from Pin Cushion Pals 4-H Club Kitsap County
Heidi from Clover Rovers 4-H Club Kittitas County
Olivia from Kalama Rough and Ready 4-H Club Cowlitz County

Congratulations to the Virtual Table Setting Contest Winners!!

See the BIG PICTURES at https://www.facebook.com/Explore4HWSUExtension


Dr. Universe Wants to Answer Your Questions!

 

Northwest Public Broadcasting is teaming up with Dr. Universe to answer video questions from kids about plants, flowers, fruits, and rocks, volcanoes, and earthquakes! They are looking for video submission questions from curious kids and thought our 4-H members might be interested in submitting video questions. A short how-to submit video can be found at askDrUniverse.wsu.edu

WSU’s Dr. Katie Cooper will help answer the geology questions and Dr. Amit Dhingra will help with the plant questions.


Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease and WA Fairs Document From WA ST Department of Agriculture Available Here!

 

A document requested in last week’s 4-H small animal call, from the State of Washington Department of Agriculture – Animal Health Program regarding Rabbit hemorrhagic disease and 2021 Washington fairs is now available by clicking HERE. The link to the USDA map referenced in the call is included in the letter.

Please direct any questions to:

Susan Kerr, DVM, PhD
WA State Dept. of Ag Educational Outreach Specialist
360-789-7664
skerr@agr.wa.gov


REMINDER! Play It Safe Around Poultry!

 

There is an ongoing multi-state salmonella outbreak associated with backyard chickens. The story link is below, along with extracted CDC advice about how to stay healthy around chickens. ONLY KISS CHICKENS ON THEIR LIPS!

😷

Susan Kerr, DVM, PhD

WA State Dept. of Ag Educational Outreach Specialist

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2021/05/21/salmonella-outbreak-backyard-chickens-michigan/5204451001/

The CDC has this advice for backyard flock owners:

  • Always wash your hands with soap and water right after touching backyard poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam.
  • Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Don’t let backyard poultry inside the house, especially in areas where food or drink is prepared, served or stored. Keep flock supplies outside the house.
  • Set aside a pair of shoes to wear while taking care of poultry and keep those shoes outside of the house.
  • Children younger than 5, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems shouldn’t handle or touch chicks, ducklings or other poultry.
  • Don’t eat or drink where poultry live or roam.
  • Don’t kiss backyard poultry or snuggle them and then touch your face or mouth.
  • Stay outdoors when cleaning any equipment or materials used to raise or care for poultry, such as cages, or feed or water containers.

Here’s how to handle eggs safely:

  • Collect eggs often, don’t let them sit the nest as they can become dirty or break.
  • Throw away cracked eggs. Germs on the shell can more easily enter the egg though a cracked shell.
  • Rub off dirt on eggs with fine sandpaper, a brush or a cloth. Don’t wash them because colder water can pull germs into the egg.
  • Refrigerate eggs to keep them fresh and slow the growth of germs.
  • Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm. Cook egg dishes to an internal temperature of 160 degrees to kill all germs.

Highly Pathogenetic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Info Available for Poultry Project Youth

 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is very active right now around the globe. Outbreaks are presently occurring in North Korea, China, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Iran, Poland, Norway, France, and Ukraine.

Wild waterfowl are one of the main ways the virus moves around. A major migratory flight path for wild waterfowl includes Washington State; many waterfowl species (swans, ducks, geese) overwinter in the state as well. These birds can carry the avian influenza virus and spread it to chickens, in which it is much more deadly. Please refresh your knowledge of the biosecurity practices recommended to keep your birds safe and take these actions every day! Here are some good resources:

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources

https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/avian-health/ai-in-humans


More Information on HPAI:

Washington State Veterinarian News: Batten Down the Hatches Against Avian Influenza

 

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza are happening in several countries around the globe now. Please share this important info with 4-H members, commercial poultry owners, and any other stakeholders who would be affected by an outbreak in the U.S. We do NOT want this disease to get a foothold here! Thanks.

Link to the WSDA document here.

Susan Kerr, DVM, PhD
WSDA Education and Outreach Specialist
skerr@agr.wa.gov


Plea for 4-H Horse Project Youth to Vaccinate for Equine Influenza

 

Dr. Susan Kerr, WSDA Education and Outreach Coordinator

4-H horse project youth, your horse depends on YOU to keep him/her safe and healthy!

There were 33 confirmed cases of equine influenza in Washington State in 2020. There were an additional 29 suspected cases, and 25 more horses were exposed to the virus by infected horses. These cases were distributed throughout the state. Fortunately, none of these horses died, which is typical for this disease.

Part of influenza treatment involves strict rest, and some horses do not return to normal for six months! Can you imagine not being able to ride or exercise your sick horse for weeks or months? Horses infected with the influenza virus can develop secondary pneumonia, which can be much more serious and require antibiotic treatment.

If your horse is at risk of catching influenza from other horses, why not prevent this disease and all its complications by vaccinating him/her? The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends horses at risk be vaccinated for influenza every six months.

Is your horse at risk of influenza? YES if he/she has contact with other horses “outside its bubble” at shows, trail rides, schooling, etc. Also YES if you keep your horse at a stable where other horses are coming and going and mixing with other horses. Even if your horse doesn’t go anywhere, another horse can bring the virus to him/her.

If your horse stays at your home barn with a steady “bubble” of barn mates and doesn’t have direct or indirect contact with other horses, he/she is at minimal risk of influenza.

A very good article with more details about equine influenza is available at https://www.equinediseasecc.org/disease-information. For more information about equine vaccinations, see the AAEP’s recommendations at https://aaep.org/horse-owners/owner-guidelines/owner-vaccination-guidelines or speak with your veterinarian.

The foundation of animal welfare is preventing animal illness, pain, and suffering. Vaccinating against diseases of concern is a very simple and effective way to do this.


COVID-19 RESOURCES


A Reminder: COVID-19 Resources Available from WSU Extension

The WSU Extension COVID-19 Updates and Resources page is updated as new information becomes available. The Link to the page is https://extension.wsu.edu/covid-19/


WASHINGTON STATE RESOURCE GUIDE
FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS:
Caring for Your Family During COVID-19

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families has created a
resource for parents during COVID-19. The WASHINGTON STATE RESOURCE GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS: Caring for Your Family During COVID-19 was developed to help parents and their families navigate the pandemic and the days to follow. The publication is available at
https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pubs/FS_0039.pdf