The Courier
NEWS
ISDA Finds Avian Influenza in Southern Idaho Anyone who finds sick or dead birds is asked to report them to Fish and Game
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture has received confirmation of multiple cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus in two separate flocks of domestic chickens in Gooding County and Caribou County. The affected flocks appear to be unrelated. HPAI is a viral disease and requires rapid response because it is highly contagious and often fatal to chickens. ISDA will work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to respond to cases. The public is encouraged to check the ISDA website for updates, including affected counties and number of cases. Idaho Fish and Game is waiting for test results from several migratory snow geese found dead in Southwest Idaho and asking people to report any dead or sick wild birds online at https://idfg.idaho.gov/conservation/wildlife-health/add. According to an ISDA media release, it is uncommon for humans to become infected with avian influenzas, but symptoms may include conjunctivitis, fever, lethargy, aches, coughing, or diarrhea. Being in direct contact with domestic birds is the highest risk activity. When USDA guidelines for cooking are followed, HPAI is not a foodborne illness. HPAI is carried by waterfowl (geese and ducks) along their migratory path. Idaho is within the Pacific Flyway. Domestic birds and poultry are very susceptible to morbidity and mortality once infected. HPAI is transmitted between birds through close contact (mucous), fecal matter, and sometimes as an aerosol. It is often carried on objects such as tools, vehicles, clothes, and boots, which can transfer the virus from one location to another. Poultry (Domestic Birds) Information Signs of HPAI in domestic poultry frequently include decreased appetite and activity, respiratory difficulty, dark combs and wattles, and unexplained mortality. It is essential for poultry owners to be vigilant in monitoring for illness and contacting the ISDA State Veterinarian immediately when HPAI symptoms are confirmed. HPAI is a reportable disease in Idaho, and veterinarians are required to report positive detections to the ISDA. The best form of flock protection is maintaining strong biosecurity standards. Biosecurity includes limiting the number of people who interact with your birds, washing hands before and after handling the birds, and having dedicated clothing and tools for each flock. More information can be found through ISDA and USDA: With fair season approaching, ISDA has developed guidance for organizers of poultry exhibitions and exhibitors. These materials can be found on the ISDA website.
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
April 20, 2022
Vol 46 Num 16
Bringing Broadband Internet To Rural Counties
In the last twenty-five years, internet communication has gone from the dial-up connection that brought simple documents to your computer in a "few" minutes, to downloading full length movies faster than you can type the title. What was once novelty entertainment has become an essential part of business, allowing people access to goods and services from every corner of the world. The internet is use for banking, education, medical care, and it seems the opportunities are endless. But... not every community is up to speed. In Fairfield and other rural communities, internet speeds often top out at 20Mbps download - if you can afford it - and upload speeds might be as fast as 1Mbps (Mbps is Megabits per second). Broadband is generally defined as a minimum of 25 Mbps download and at least 3 Mbps upload speed. Most people are concerned with download speed for streaming music (0.5Mbps), browsing the internet or emailing (1Mbps), streaming videos (3-8Mbps), or conducting video calls like Zoom (6Mbps). For businesses like your local grocery store or gas station, upload speeds are far more important. And... this band width is shared. If you are watching a movie while your kids are playing online games, your internet speed can be reduced to a mere trickle. This can happen to a whole community as well when there is only one provider. These problems can also be compounded by electrical outages and weather events. During the last couple of years, federal and state governments have been making a concerted effort to help rural communities upgrade broadband services with grant monies. Last year, Wendell and Bliss were able to bring new wireless internet to their communities. Earlier this year, Lincoln County finished installing a wireless system that reaches all three areas of the county - Richfield, Dietrich and Shoshone - and have contracted with ETS (an internet provider) to operate the system. Lincoln County's internet is unique in that the county owns the infrastructure. This means the county has more control over the cost of the service to the residents of Lincoln County. The current service being offered is 100/100 for $55 per month - that is 100Mbps download and upload. cont. page 2...