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2021 August

Posted by madeline.green | August 6, 2021

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 also be accepted!

Barn with Silos in background


RESUMPTION OF 4-H

IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES UPDATE

Announcement Revised July 20, 2021

 

On June 30, 2021, Governor Inslee reopened Washington State under the Washington Ready plan.

The Washington State 4-H  Youth Development Program policy will now reference requirements set forth by the Washington State Department of Health’s K-12 COVID-19 Requirements for Summer 2021 and the 2021-2022 School Year document.

WHILE INDOORS, EVERYONE IS REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS.

This change to policy is required to protect the safety of all 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.

Refer to the graphic below, provided by the Washington State Department of Health, for guidance on when to wear a mask:

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


Linda Schultz
1953 – 2021

 

The following notes were provided by Pat BoyEs, former Washington State 4-H Program Director.

It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that I share the news that our friend and colleague, Linda Schultz, passed away on July 29th. Linda began her career with WSU as the 4-H Faculty for Kitsap County. In the mid-90’s, Linda transitioned to the position of 4-H faculty lead for Grays Harbor, Mason, Thurston, and Lewis counties. In 1998, Linda became the 4-H Volunteer Specialist for New Mexico State University.

With her retirement from Extension in 2015, Linda continued her passion for Global Education with extensive travel throughout Europe, the Middle east, Africa, Australia and Mexico. She battled cancer with courage and good humor for the past nine months. She passed away surrounded by a wide circle of family and friends.

Memorials and final arrangements are pending. Notes of condolence should be directed to Linda’s sister, Susan Donaldson, at 500 Hamilton Road, Chehalis WA 98532-8884.


The 4-H State Office wants to hear from you! Check Out
“4-H Open Chat”
 –The Next Session Is August 10!

 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.


Galactic Quest 4-H STEM Challenge Ready For Blast-Off!

 

Designed by Clemson University, the 2021 4‑H STEM Challenge, Galactic Quest, focuses on the mysteries and adventures of space exploration.

Galactic Quest explores the history of humans in space, the technology and resources needed for missions, and the obstacles humans encounter in orbit. Activities explore important STEM topics ranging from physics and engineering to computer science and space agriculture.

More information about the 2021 4‑H STEM Challenge, including activity descriptions, digital guides, can be found at
https://4-h.org/parents/4-h-stem-challenge/

 

A webinar about this year’s challenge will be presented on September 1 at 1:00 pm ET – Register here


State 4-H Horse Medallion Donations Needed

Jennifer Leach, 4-H Faculty and State Equine Specialist

Now that State 4-H Fair is confirmed as an in-person event, we need to quickly collect donations to provide Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for all the Equine classes, plus the Groom Squad and Equine Presentations Contests.  The total cost is approximately $1,300. Please consider a donation so that our outstanding members may receive this special recognition!  All donors will be listed on posters in the barns and announced during the events.

Contributions are welcome from County Programs, individuals and businesses.

Please make checks payable to Snohomish County 4-H Horse Program (who have been acting as the banker since the 1980’s)

Mail to Pat Pehling, 7310 83rd AVE SE, Snohomish WA 98290

Please contact Pat Pehling at pehling@frontier.com with any questions.

Thank you for your support!


From 4-H National Council….

 

VIRTUAL 4-H CAMP


This year we’re taking Virtual 4-H Camp outdoors. We’ve all spent a lot of time indoors over the last year, so it’s time to get outside, get your hands dirty and explore the exciting world around you! Explore this collection of nine activities for a 4-H camp experience anytime, anywhere, complete with fireside songs!

LEARN MORE

FOLLOW & SHARE #4HSUMMER


Food. Fair. Campfires. Fun. Sounds like the perfect #4HSummer! Follow along with us on social media as we celebrate the best parts of summer and share with your networks.

FOLLOW US

Washington State 4-H Fair Update From Fair Manager Tom Gwin

THE 4-H FAIR EXHIBITOR GUIDE IS NOW AVAILABLE!

The Washington State Fair will take place September 3 through 26 in Puyallup with a full face-to-face fair.  My direction from fair administration is that we will proceed with a livestock schedule similar to 2019.  The 4-H Fair Board has agreed and will proceed accordingly.  A tentative schedule of activities/events for this year’s fair can be found by clicking HERE.

NEW! The 4-H Fair Exhibitor Guide is now available by clicking HERE!

Any errors or revisions will be shared via 4-H talk and Tuesday News.

There are several changes this year:

— The dormitories will not be available

— Kitchen activities will be virtual

— Juniors will be eligible for participation in all judging contests

— County qualifying is not required this year, however we are limited in many animal project areas by available space and time

— Counties are still responsible for determining who will represent their county at the state 4-H fair

Information on allocations was sent last week.  Next up will be the revision of the exhibitor letter and forms. That info will be sent as it is revised.

We will have a virtual option for public presentations.  Information on that class will be forthcoming soon.


Mayyadah Zagelow Receives Invisalign Changemakers Award

 

Congratulations to King County 4-H’er Mayyadah Zagelow for receiving the Invisalign Changemakers Award! 4-H and Invisalign have partnered on the award program developed to celebrate and highlight teens making an impact in their communities.

Learn about how Mayyadah pledges her hands to larger service: https://www.invisalign.com/changemakers/winners/mayyadah-zagelow

Invisalign and National 4-H Council recognized 100 teen Invisalign ChangeMakers who are bringing smiles and meaningful change to their local communities through their good works via a virtual celebration on Saturday, July 10th.

The virtual celebration can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s18U7C-02g4

Note: There is a twenty minute countdown on the video before the start of the event.


WSU Veterinarians: Keep Pets Cool This Heat Wave

 

By Josh Babcock, College of Veterinary Medicine
From WSU Insider – June 28, 2021

If you fear your pet may be experiencing any heat-related illness, WSU veterinarians urge you to seek immediate veterinary medical care.

PULLMAN, Wash.—The early-summer heat wave throughout the Pacific Northwest continues to create potentially dangerous conditions for pets, warn veterinarians at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

And the hottest predicted temperatures across most of the region are yet to come.

“Dogs and cats do not sweat like humans,” said Raelynn Farnsworth, interim director of WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “Instead, they pant and seek shade to eliminate excess heat. Pets do lose water through exhaled air, and that needs to be replenished with abundant, clean, free-choice drinking water. Free-choice meaning they can reach water at any time, even if they are in an enclosed space.”

Dr. Farnsworth said it is best to walk pets in the early morning and evening hours, but time outside should be minimal otherwise. Animals also should not be left in vehicles or tethered outside without shade or water. The interior of an automobile can reach temperatures approaching 200 degrees in a matter of minutes.

“Animals left in parked cars during summer heat can develop heat stroke in a very short period of time,” said Farnsworth. “People are best advised to not leave pets unattended in parked cars or similar enclosures during the summer heat at all, whether the windows are down, or not.”

Cracking open the car window is not a solution as it may not prevent the heat buildup or it may provide a way for the pet to escape. Parking in the shade may also seem like a temporary fix, but offers little protection when the sun shifts in the sky.

It is illegal to leave or confine any animal unattended in a motor vehicle or enclosed space if the animal could be harmed or killed by exposure to excessive heat, cold, lack of ventilation, or lack of necessary water. In addition to potential fines, the Washington state law also authorizes and protects animal control personnel and law enforcement officers who break into a vehicle or enclosed space to prevent harm to an animal. Egregious cases could result in animal cruelty charges.

Farnsworth said in the heat, owners need to cautious of hot pavement. “If it’s too hot to walk barefoot, it’s too hot for your pet’s feet.” She said to be especially sensitive to pets with special needs, including those that are old, overweight, or that have heart and lung disease. “Leave these animals at home and protected as much as possible,” she said.

A dehydrated or overheated pet may pant heavily, stagger, vomit, have diarrhea, seizures, or go into a coma. If you fear your pet may be experiencing any heat-related illness, WSU veterinarians urge you to seek immediate veterinary medical care.


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


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

 

A document requested in a recent 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