What's new Archive
September Preparedness Month
September 1, 2010
Are you Ready Wisconsin? Do you have a plan to face an emergency? Are you ready to protect yourself and your family? Unfortunately the answer for most of us is ... no. According to a ReadyWisconsin survey conducted in 2009, only about 20% of Wisconsin residents have made basic preparations for large-scale emergencies, like flooding and tornado activity.
To encourage the citizens of Wisconsin to take steps to prepare for a potential crisis, Governor Jim Doyle has proclaimed September as Wisconsin Preparedness Month. Through the ReadyWisconsin program, Wisconsin Emergency Management has gathered and developed a large collection of emergency preparedness tips and facts on this website.
To learn more about the Wisconsin Preparedness Month and the resources available, go to the ReadyWisconsin web site.
A National Report Card on Protecting Children during Disasters
July 26, 2010
Almost five years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast and displaced over 160,000 Louisiana and Mississippi kids, a new report reveals that the vast majority of states are still not fully prepared to protect children in disasters.
The report is the second disaster preparedness report released by Save the Children’s U.S. Programs. The 2010 year report found that 38 states and the District of Columbia did not meet all four basic standards, and seven states met zero. Only 12 states meet all four standards, including Mississippi and Alabama, which is five more than in the 2009 report.
To view this report, go to the Save the Children web site.
U.S. H1N1 Public Health Emergency Has Expired
June 25, 2010
The U.S. H1N1 public health emergency has expired. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services encourages people to continue practicing flu prevention techniques. An announcement is expected by mid-July from the World Health Organization as to whether we are still in pandemic or the post-pandemic alert phase.
India reported yesterday they have detected a mutation in the virus, which is expected, however clinicians have reported with the mutation symptoms have changed, most notably more cases of back pain and fewer high fevers associated with the infection.
For more information or updates, go to the EDEN Pandemic Influenza Topic Page.
New Flood Pub for Agricultural Retailers
June 24, 2010
There is a new resource for EDEN for help for agricultural retailers to plan for flooding entitled “Plan Today for Tomorrow’s Flood: A Flood Response Plan for Agricultural Retailers”. This publication came together in the middle of all the flooding Indiana had in 2009 and was released this month as we look at new flooding in the Midwest. This will be an important reference guide for agricultural retailers and others who want to plan for the next flood.
To learn more about this publication, go to the Purdue University web site.
Worldwide H1N1 Update
June 3, 2010
The WHO emergency committee, composed of 15 external advisers met this week and in a statement released today, they indicated it remains critical for countries to maintain vigilance concerning the pandemic, including necessary public health measures for disease control and surveillance. This was reported by WHO Director-General Margaret Chan. Based on the committee's recommendation, the outbreak 0f 2009 H1N1 remains at phase 6 on the WHO's pandemic scale. It has been at this level since June 2009. This status will be reviewed in mid-July after more data from the winter influenza season in the southern hemisphere is available.
For more information or updates, go to the EDEN Pandemic Influenza Topic Page.
Community Preparedness Webinar Series
April 12, 2010
The Community Preparedness Webinar Series provides up-to-date information on community preparedness topics and resources available to citizens, community organizations, and Citizen Corps Councils. These webinars will feature new community preparedness topics several times each month and are free to the public. In addition to airing live, each webinar will be recorded and viewable after it completes at your convenience.
To view this webinar series, go to the Citizen Corps web site.
Wisconsin Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 15-19)
March 15, 2010
Gov. Jim Doyle has proclaimed March 15-19, 2010 as Flood Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin. Flooding has caused the most damage in Wisconsin's recorded history and Flood Safety Awareness Week reminds people that flooding can occur at any time. The campaign also reminds people of the dangers associated with flooding and to encourage citizens to take protective safety measures such as considering purchasing flood insurance.
Record flooding in southern Wisconsin in 2007 and 2008 caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damages to homes and businesses. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), only 15 thousand homes and businesses in Wisconsin have flood insurance. That is less than one percent of the more than 2 million households in the state. In the flooding events of 2007 and 2008, more than $34 million in flood insurance claims were paid in Wisconsin.
To learn more about this awareness week, go to the full story or the 2010 Wisconsin Flood Awareness Packet.
New ReadyWisconsin Web Site
March 11, 2010
ReadyWisconsin launched its new website on March 10. ReadyWisconsin is an initiative of Wisconsin Emergency Management designed to educate and empower Wisconsinites to prepare for
and respond to all kinds of emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks.
To learn more, go to the ReadyWisconsin web site.
2009 H1N1 Flu in the News
December 10, 2009
CDC has released revised estimates of cases of H1N1, hospitalizations and deaths given an additional month of data. The number of estimated cases is 47 million, 213,000 hospitalizations and nearly 10,000 deaths (these are all median figures). About 10% of the deaths have occurred in children and young adults under the age of 17.
To learn more about this situation, go to the news release from CDC.
President Obama Declares a 2009 H1N1 National Emergency
October 24, 2009
President Obama has declared 2009 H1N1 a national emergency making it easier for U.S. medical facilities to handle a surge in flu patients by allowing the waiver of some requirements of Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health insurance programs. This declaration follows the announcement Friday by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that H1N1 is widespread in 46 of the 50 U.S. states, a level comparable to the peak of ordinary flu seasons but far earlier and with more waves of infection expected.
To learn more about this declaration, go to the EDEN Pandemic Flu web page.
USDA Confirms 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus Present in Minnesota Fair Pig Sample
October 19, 2009
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) has confirmed the presence of 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in a pig sample collected at the Minnesota State Fair submitted by the University of Minnesota. Additional samples are being tested.
To learn more about this situation, go to the news release from USDA.
2009-10 Flu Season Print Materials
September 28, 2009
This year’s seasonal flu materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also include messaging to address the 2009 H1N1 flu (sometimes called "swine flu") recommendations. All materials are free for download—no printed versions are available.
To learn more about these materials, go to the CDC web site.
September is National Preparedness Month
September 1, 2009
In its sixth annual campaign, the Department of Homeland Security is presenting September as National Preparedness Month. Once again, the Cooperative Extension Service, through EDEN, is a partner in this campaign.
To learn more about this campaign, go to the EDEN web site.
Emerald Ash Borer Found in Milwaukee County
August 28, 2009
An Emerald ash borer larva was discovered in the City of Franklin on August 27. The larva was sent to federal identifiers on August 27, and subsequently confirmed as EAB on August 28.
To learn more about this issue, go to the news release from DATCP.
Governor Doyle Declares Emergency Drought Conditions to Help Wisconsin Farmers
August 12, 2009
Governor Jim Doyle today issued an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency due to current drought conditions as farmers feel the effects of long term shortage of rainfall. Some areas of the state have adequate soil moisture, but many farmers are experiencing drought conditions at a critical point in the growing season which could mean significant crop damage and economic losses.
To learn more about where and how this will affect Wisconsin farmers, go to the Executive Order from the Governor.
Emerald Ash Borer Found in Kenosha County
August 12, 2009
One adult Emerald ash borer beetle was discovered during a routine inspection survey trap on the east side of the city of Kenosha on Monday, August 10, 2009 and subsequently confirmed as EAB on Wednesday, August 12.
To learn more about this issue, go to the news release from DATCP.
Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza Reported in Minnesota
August 6, 2009
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has reported LPAI in a flock of turkeys in Meeker County. Samples were collected from the commercial turkey flock and submitted to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa, where the virus was confirmed as avian influenza subtype H7N9. The birds appear healthy and show no sign of infection. The poultry on the premises have been quarantined. All flocks within 3 miles will be repeatedly tested for the virus for six weeks, along with any flocks linked to the farm.
To learn more about this issue, go to the news release from BAH.
CDC Advisors Make Recommendations for Use of Vaccine Against Novel H1N1
July 30, 2009
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met on July 29 to make recommendations for use of vaccine against novel influenza A (H1N1). The committee met to develop recommendations on who should receive vaccine against novel influenza A (H1N1) when it becomes available, and to determine which groups of the population should be prioritized if the vaccine is initially available in extremely limited quantities.
To learn more about these recommendations, go to the news release from the CDC.
Emerald ash borer found in Green Bay
July 29, 2009
The emerald ash borer has found its way to Green Bay. An adult beetle was discovered stuck to a purple survey trap that had been hung in an ash tree on public land next to the Fox River. The trap was located roughly one mile south of the bay.
State and local officials and will be working together to determine the extent of the infestation and to develop a response plan for the area. In addition, federal regulators are considering a quarantine of Brown County and possibly other nearby in an effort to help slow the spread of EAB throughout northeastern Wisconsin.
To learn more about this issue, go to the news release from DATCP.
WHO Declares a Global H1N1 Flu Pandemic
June 11, 2009
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global H1N1 flu pandemic. A Phase Six pandemic declaration is based on the sustained worldwide spread of H1N1, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano stated that the declaration was expected and reaffirmed that the departments are already doing the things needed to keep the public as safe and secure as possible.
To learn more about this declaration, go to the news release from HHS and DHS or to the statement from WHO.
Alberta Swine Herd Investigated for H1N1 Flu Virus
May 4, 2009
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) indicates that it has found H1N1 flu virus in a swine herd in Alberta. The safety of the food supply is not affected and Canadian pork continues to be safe to eat.
It is highly probable that the pigs were exposed to the virus from a Canadian who had recently returned from Mexico and had been exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Signs of illness were subsequently observed in the pigs. The individual has recovered and all of the pigs are recovering or have recovered.
To learn more about this issue, go to the news release from CFIA.
Swine Flu Public Health Emergency Declared
April 26, 2009
On Sunday, April 26 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security declared a public health emergency in response to recent Swine Influenza A (H1N1) outbreaks in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
State of Wisconsin officials, led by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), have been monitoring the situation since April 24 and continue to observe this situation very closely. Guidance for health care and public health agencies has been distributed and surveillance for possible cases has been intensified.
To learn more about swine flu and what you can do to stay healthy, go to the Swine Influenza and You web site.
Emerald Ash Borer Found in Vernon County
April 9, 2009
An observant landowner raised suspicions that emerald ash borer has infested ash trees in Victory, a Vernon County community, agriculture and natural resources officials said in announcing the new find.
The invasive pest kills ash trees, a predominant species on urban streets and in Wisconsin forests. State officials have requested a federal quarantine of Vernon and Crawford counties to try to contain the infestation. Residents are asked to take precautions, too.
To learn more about EAB, go to the news release on the DATCP web site.
Avian Influenza Found in Western Kentucky Poultry Farm
April 9, 2009
State and federal authorities are investigating a finding of suspected non-pathogenic or low-pathogenic avian influenza in a single broiler/breeder poultry farm in western Kentucky. The strain poses minimal risk to human health and is not the high-pathogenic strain associated with human and poultry deaths in other countries.
State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout has quarantined the farm, which produces hatching eggs for Perdue Farms Inc. Perdue plans to depopulate 20,000 chickens in two houses on the farm.
To learn more about this finding, go to the news release from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
2009 Emergency Management Agency Training
April 7, 2009
In February 2009, state agencies met in Madison and discussed their roles in emergency preparedness and response. To learn about what different state agencies can do in emergency situations and how that may affect you at the county level, go to the Wisconsin Emergency Management web site.
National Flood Safety Awareness Week
March 16, 2009
Floods are consistently the most common, costly and deadly natural disaster Americans face each year. Ninety percent of all natural disasters in the nation involve flooding. March 16 marks the beginning of national flood awareness week. To learn more about flood preparedness and response resources, check out the Floodsmart.gov web site.
Emerald Ash Borer Common in Newburg Area
March 11, 2009
Seven months after the discovery of emerald ash borer (EAB) in southeastern Wisconsin, state officials have determined that the infestation that straddles the Ozaukee and Washington county line near the Village of Newburg is too large to completely remove from the area. As a consequence, strategies for managing this invasive insect will focus on efforts to slow the spread of the beetle, help identify and develop market opportunities to capitalize on the timber resource, and to continue monitoring throughout the state for signs of new infestations.
To learn more about these strategies, go to the news release on the DATCP web site.
Wisconsin Ranks among Best in National Pandemic Flu Report
February 13, 2009
Governor Jim Doyle announced that Wisconsin ranked among the top states in the nation for pandemic flu preparedness in a 2008 assessment led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and submitted to the U.S. Homeland Security. The Department of Health Services' Division of Public Health coordinated the Pandemic Influenza Operations Plan that was submitted to federal officials.
To learn more about the assessment, go to the news release at the Pandemic Flu web site.
Agro-security Preparedness Training Courses
January 16, 2009
Two agro-security preparedness training courses will be held on January 27 and 28 in Sturtevant, WI. These are no-fee classes (lunch included) and build on earlier classes (however, while it is recommended that you have taken these earlier courses, you don't need to have to attend these two). The courses are Principles of Frontline Response to Agroterrorism and Food Systems' Disasters (Jan. 27) and Principles of Planning and Implementing Recovery (Jan. 28).
These courses are presented by Western Institute for Food Safety and Security (WIFSS), University of California, Davis in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and co-sponsored by Racine County Emergency Management.
For more information and on-line registration, go to the web site.
FEMA Launches a New User-friendly Website - Disasterassistance.gov
January 12, 2009
FEMA introduced the launch of a new user-friendly website called Disasterassistance.gov on December 31, 2008. Disasterassistance.gov was developed to ease the frustration felt by disaster victims obligated to search through multiple federal programs to find aid. This website will centralize the application process for federal disaster assistance and offer a clearinghouse for information on programs administered at the federal, state and local levels.
To learn more, go to the Disasterassistance.gov web site.
G & J Hot Cocoa Gift Sets Recalled for Possible Melamine Contamination
December 23, 2008
Three cocoa products packaged for Christmas sale and sold through Shopko and Big Lots stores have been recalled because they may contain melamine, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection reports. No illnesses have been reported from consumption of these products, which have been voluntarily recalled by Dorsey Marketing Inc. (DMI) of Ville St. Laurent, Quebec, Canada.
For complete information on this recall, refer to the news release from DATCP.
Trust For America's Health Forecasts Economic Downturn to Have Negative Effect on Disaster Preparedness
December 17, 2008
Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) released the sixth annual "Ready or Not? Protecting the Public's Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism" report, which finds that progress made to better protect the country from disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and bioterrorism is now at risk, due to budget cuts and the economic crisis. In addition, the report concludes that major gaps remain in many critical areas of preparedness, including surge capacity, rapid disease detection, and food safety.
To learn more about this report, go to the Trust for America’s Health web site.
National Incident Management System Implementation Plan for Wisconsin
December 9, 2008
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) enhances the overall management of domestic incidents by establishing a single, comprehensive system for incident and resource management and will help achieve greater cooperation among departments and agencies at all levels of government.
To learn more about the plan for Wisconsin, go to the Wisconsin NIMS web site.
Cookies Shipped to Wisconsin Markets May Contain Melamine
November 14, 2008
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is advising consumers to avoid eating Wonderfarm brand "Successful" biscuits or cookies, because they may be contaminated with melamine. Anyone who has purchased this product should discard it.
For more information about this advisory, refer to the news release from DATCP.
New Information on the Movement of Avian Influenza Viruses from Asia to North America via Migratory Birds
October 29, 2008
The United States Geological Survey reported this week migratory bird species, including many waterfowl and shorebirds, that frequently carry low pathogenic avian influenza and migrate between continents may carry Asian strains of the virus along their migratory pathways to North America. For the full story, go to the USGS web site.
Farm Safety Lesson Plans, Activities and Presentations On-line
October 9, 2008
Students in an Oregon State University Ag Safety and Health course have posted on-line several farm safety topics. Each topic includes a lesson plan, PowerPoint slides, and activities. These students were developing materials that they could use in teaching agriculture education classes in junior and senior high schools or in extension programs.
To learn more about this course, go to the OSU web site.
Consumers beware: Candy found on Wisconsin grocery shelves may be melamine-tainted
October 9, 2008
Wisconsin food safety officials are cautioning consumers that candy potentially contaminated with melamine has been found on grocery store shelves in at least three communities. White Rabbit candy, recalled by a distributor earlier this month, has since been found in stores in Eau Claire, Sheboygan and Wausau, as well as in a Wisconsin grocery distribution center.
To learn more about consumer alert, go to the news release on the DATCP web site.
September is National Preparedness Month
August 25, 2008
September is National Preparedness Month and the Cooperative Extension Service, through EDEN, is a partner in this fifth annual campaign. EDEN's role is to connect state and local Extension offices to expert materials in disaster mitigation, prevention, preparedness, recovery, and response. For this campaign, our intent is to provide key resources that will allow your state to share preparedness information both efficiently and effectively. National Preparedness Month will focus on four specific areas of awareness: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Informed, and Get Involved.
To learn more about National Preparedness Month, go to the EDEN web site.
Unsavory Businesses Can Arrive With EAB; Protect Your Wallet and Your Trees
August 12, 2008
With the recent discovery of the emerald ash borer in Wisconsin, many homeowners will be wondering how to protect their ash trees from this invasive pest. Unfortunately, just as the borers emerge from the tree bark, unscrupulous businesses will likely emerge to take money from innocent victims.
To learn more about how to protect yourself, go to the DATCP web site.
Emerald Ash Borer Found in Washington County; Quarantine Now in Effect
August 8, 2008
The tiny, green beetle responsible for killing ash trees in several Midwest states has now been detected in Washington County, not far from Wisconsin’s first confirmed case of emerald ash borer in neighboring Ozaukee County. Three adult beetles were found on August 1 stuck to a purple EAB trap located in Fireman’s Park in the village of Newburg.
The two counties where emerald ash borer has been confirmed, along with two additional neighboring counties, have been placed under quarantine in an effort to help prevent the human-aided spread of EAB. The quarantine includes all of Ozaukee, Washington, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties. The purpose of the quarantine is to limit the artificial spread of emerald ash borers which may be present in ash nursery stock, hardwood firewood, timber or other articles that could spread EAB into other areas of Wisconsin or other states.
For more information about emerald ash borer, go to Wisconsin's Emerald Ash Borer Resource web site.
DATCP and DNR Announce Presence of Emerald Ash Borer in Wisconsin
August 4, 2008
Officials with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Department of Natural Resources today announced the first confirmed occurrence of emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive, destructive insect pest of ash trees, in Wisconsin. The discovery was made by forest health specialists investigating a citizen report of dying ash trees in a private woodlot in Ozaukee County, near the Village of Newburg.
Officials announcing the find emphasized that the first steps in responding to the infestation will be to quarantine movement of hardwood firewood, ash nursery stock, timber or any other article that could spread EAB out of the infested area. Following placement of the quarantine there will be a thorough survey of the area around the find to determine the size of the infestation, its boundaries, and the possible source. Finding EAB at this location does not mean it is the origin of the infestation in Wisconsin.
For more information about emerald ash borer, go to Wisconsin's Emerald Ash Borer Resource web
Tomatoes and Jalapeño and Serrano Peppers and the Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak
July 28, 2008
For the latest information on the Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak and the relationship with tomatoes and jalapeño and Serrano peppers, check the web site for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Click here to go the web site.
FSA Releases CRP Land in Flood Regions for Grazing
July 8, 2008
Ben Brancel, WisconsinExecutive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency(FSA) today announced that Conservation Reserve Program(CRP) acres in counties designated as PresidentialDisaster Areas because of flooding are eligible for livestockgrazing. Grazing on CRP is only in counties designatedas primary and contiguous disaster areas and onlybecause of flooding.
For complete details, click here.
FEMA Experts Show Ways to Make Houses More Flood Resistant
July 6, 2008
Want to protect your home from the next flood? Talk with FEMA experts now at hardware and home improvement stores in many flood-ravaged Wisconsin communities.
For more information, click here.
West Nile Virus Issue Page on the EDEN website
July 5, 2008
As we approach peak season for West Nile Virus transmission and time being spent outdoors, this is a reminder that there is a West Nile Virus Issue Page on the EDEN website. This page is also useful as many are concerned about the relationship between flooding and the increased mosquitoes being seen in these communities/states.
For more information, click here.
BSE Case Confirmed in British Columbia
June 23, 2008
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a cow in the Province of British Columbia. This case poses no risk to human or animal health since Canada's stringent BSE safeguards prevented any part of the animal's carcass from entering the human food chain or any potentially infective parts of the animal's carcass from entering the animal feed chain.
For more information, click here.
Governor Doyle Declares State of Emergency in 29 Counties
June 9, 2008
Due to severe storms and flooding over the weekend, Governor Doyle has declared a state of emergency for 29 Wisconsin counties.
The counties include: Adams, Calumet, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Lafayette, LaCrosse, Marquette, Milwaukee, Monroe, Ozaukee, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, and Winnebago Counties.
According to the Governor's office, "The Governor's declaration allows Wisconsin's Adjutant General, Brigadier General Don Dunbar to activate National Guard troops to assist the affected counties as necessary. Six soldiers and three high profile vehicles were deployed Sunday evening to assist with evacuation of a mobile home park in Ontario, Vernon County. This was the only request but the National Guard's Joint Operations Center is activated to coordinate any additional request for support. The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated since Saturday afternoon."
Read the full media release here.
Minnesota's TB status drops; Wisconsin enacts new cattle, bison, and goat import requirements
April 9, 2008
New import requirements take effect Wednesday, April 9, for Minnesota cattle, bison and goats entering Wisconsin, State Veterinarian Dr. Robert Ehlenfeldt said today.
The new requirements will take effect simultaneously with the U.S. Department of Agriculture s change in Minnesota s bovine tuberculosis status. The restrictions will require import permits, stepped-up testing, and quarantines on arrival.
For more information
http://www.datcp.state.wi.us/press_release/result.jsp?prid=2160
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