Although no human cases of West Nile virus have been detected so far this summer in Michigan, several birds and mosquito pools have tested positive for the infection. West Nile is transmitted to people, horses, and other animals through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus. Outbreaks of West Nile virus have occurred every summer in Michigan since 2002. While most people who become infected will not develop clinical symptoms of illness or will have a mild illness with fever, a small number of people may become more severely ill. In 2018, there were 104 serious illnesses and nine deaths related to West Nile virus in the state. For more information, including signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention, visit www.michigan.gov/westnile. The site also features a weekly summary of West Nile virus activity in the state.
The following information was taken from State Senator John Bizon’s recent enewsletter:
Although no human cases of West Nile virus have been detected so far this summer in Michigan, several birds and mosquito pools have tested positive for the infection. West Nile is transmitted to people, horses, and other animals through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus. Outbreaks of West Nile virus have occurred every summer in Michigan since 2002. While most people who become infected will not develop clinical symptoms of illness or will have a mild illness with fever, a small number of people may become more severely ill. In 2018, there were 104 serious illnesses and nine deaths related to West Nile virus in the state. For more information, including signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention, visit www.michigan.gov/westnile. The site also features a weekly summary of West Nile virus activity in the state. ![]() We are scheduling another “Barberry Pull” for July 30th. Anyone interested in helping rid our association of invasive Japanese barberry (Japonica berberis) is asked meet at the South Access on Tuesday, July 30th at 9:00 AM (rain date is July 31st) All are welcome to help. Please wear work gloves (the plant is spiny), bring a shovel or similar tool, and bring a large, heavy plastic bag so we can bag the plant material. The plant remains must be bagged to prevent the live material from rerooting. After a suitable period of drying, the plants will be burned. This is an ongoing project. We began mechanically removing Japanese barberry from Cobmoosa Shores last summer and will continue as needed. NOTE: Herbicides are NOT recommended because nearby, native plants can be destroyed, and the herbicide can enter the water supply. We need everyone’s assistance as this plant is extremely invasive. The “Barberry Pull” crew will only work on the Cobmoosa right-of-way, we will try to not enter any member’s private property without prior permission. We ask that members remove these plants from their property and then join in the “planned pulls” when you can. If you need help identifying this plant, or you would like to grant permission for the “Barberry Pull” crew to remove plants on your property, please use the Contact Us form on the CSA website to convey that information. Someone from the “Barberry Pull” crew will then contact you to arrange a time to assist you. See also the attached photos. For more information about Japanese barberry (and other plants problematic in Michigan), visit A Field Identification Guide to Invasive Plants in Michigan’s Natural Communities (prepared by the Michigan State University Extension office). USDA Offers Assistance for Un-Planted Michigan Fields
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering conservation assistance to Michigan farmers unable to plant crops due to wet conditions. The USDA is making conservation funds available for farmers to plant summer cover crops to help reduce soil erosion, control weeds and improve soil quality. Read More … Nature Ranger Day Camp Starts July 1! The July 8 session is full, but the OCD has space for three more campers in the other eight sessions which will be held every Monday in July and August. If you were hoping to register for Nature Ranger Day Camp, please do so right away! Register Now … Nitrate Screening Oceana Conservation District's Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is offering free well water screenings to test for nitrates and nitrites. You can deliver a one-ounce water sample with a completed form between 8 AM and 4 PM on Wednesday, July 10. The event is free and open to the public. This service is for private drinking water wells only. Read More … Invasive Species Management Updates
You may read the full July Newsletter with links to related information online. You will be able to access past newsletters from this link as well. |
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