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We A r e S a n p e t e . c o m State vet urges horse owners’ caution, EHM cases emerge | www.heraldextra.com
An Edition of the
DR. BARRY PITTMAN
UDAF state veterinarian
SALT LAKE CITY — Nevada officials are reporting multiple cases of an often-fatal neurological form of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in horses that have recently traveled in regional rodeo circuits, some of which have been in Utah. “These recently reported cases are with horses that have traveled in junior high, high school, and professional circuits,” said Dr. Barry Pittman, Utah state veterinarian at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). “We aren’t clear on all the specifics of the potential exposures in Utah,” he said, “but awareness, vigilance and reporting are important right now as we continue to trace origins and review potential contact that may have occurred.” There are nine forms of EHM worldwide, only three of which are a health risk, and one form or another is found in nearly all horses by two years of age with little or no side effects. The most concerning form of it, found in Nevada, is fairly rare and equine experts and
veterinarians have not concluded why some contract it and others don’t. EHM is usually spread by direct horse-to-horse contact through the respiratory tract and nasal secretions. It can also move indirectly through contact with physical objects that have virus contamination, and remain on them between seven and 30 days. Symptoms can include fever, decreased coordination, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, leaning against objects to find balance, lethargy and inability to rise. There are treatments for EHM, but they are not always effective and vaccines being used are limited in their scope of prevention. “We’re advising horse owners to limit travel with their horses if possible, check ahead with rodeo or event personnel for any known cases or exposures at their facility; practice active biosecurity; don’t share tack, feed or water buckets, grooming equipment, stalls or trailers; and always clean and disinfect all of the previous on a reg-
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Multiple cases of an often-fatal virus have recently been found affecting horses that have recently traveled in regional rodeo circuits. Horse owners are advised to take the necessary steps to protect their animals and contact their veterinarian if symptoms of the virus are noticed. ular basis,” said Pittman. Owners with a horse that has been exposed to the more serious form of EHM and is exhibiting symptoms are urged to contact their veterinarian and they should report to the State Veterinarian’s office if they suspect EHM.
Sunderland family stars in new series ‘The American Farm’ on History Channel CHESTER — Scott Sunderland and family, Chester, are featured in a new series, “The American Farm, which premieres on the History Channel, Thursday, April 4, at 10 p.m., in Utah. From the creators of Deadliest Catch and Storage Wars comes an authentic look at the hardship, dedication, and personal triumphs of America’s farmers in a new eightpart docuseries The American Farm. The life of the farmer is the great untold story of America, and the filmmakers spent an entire year with five hard-working families across America, including the Sunderland family, from Sunder Creek Farm in Chester. Filmed during 2018, the first episode reveals that the future of the Sunderland farm is more uncertain than ever. Run as a co-operation between Scott
Mayfield Lions host diabetic education meeting MAYFIELD—A community meet and greet discussion and informational gathering will be hosted by Mayfield Lions Club at 6 p.m., April 8, in the Mayfield Town Hall, 52 South Main. Over 7.2 million people, that’s one-in-four, have diabetes and are not aware they have the disease. Medical personnel from Gunnison and Richfield will give a presentation about adult and pediatric diabetes. A free glucose monitoring will also be offered.
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Scott Sunderland, Chester, checks the new turkey chicks during filming for “The American Farm,” a new eight-part series on the History Channel. The premier showing takes place Thursday, April 4, at 10 p.m. (Photo courtesy of HISTORY/The American Farm) Sunderland and his son-in-law Brett Madsen, a down turkey market and a record-setting drought could mean the end for their operation. About American Farm The American Farm series was created and produced by BobCat Studios, the production company created by Thom Beers and Jeff Conroy, the three-time
Thursday, March 28, 2019 • Vol. 128, No. 13 • 75 cents
Emmy award winning hit makers who created and produced some of the most successful series in cable history (Deadliest Catch, Bering Sea Gold, Ice Road Truckers, Ax Men, Storage Wars, and 1,000 Ways to Die, to name a few), and Sarah Bernard, a proven digital innovator and former White House Presidential appointee.
More information about EHM can be found here: https://ag.utah.gov/documents/EHM_brochure.pdf About UDAF With roots dating to 1921, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is one of the State’s oldest agencies.
It oversees dozens of legislatively mandated programs that promote the healthy growth of Utah agriculture, the conservation of our natural resources and the protection of our food supply. Two important programs are the Utah Grazing Improve-
ment Program and the Invasive Weeds Mitigation Program. Both work to improve the health of our rangelands and watersheds. In the area of food safety, the UDAF inspects the state’s 4,000 retail stores and the many food processing plants for food quality and safety and correct item pricing. The UDAFs Utah’s Own Program works to reconnect consumers with their food supply and promotes the benefits of Utah’s locally grown and processed foods which represent 15 percent of Utah’s economy. The UDAF also protects animal health and the state’s $1 billion livestock industry, as well as guards against invasive insects. Animal industry issues For more information, contact Doug Perry, public information officer for UDAF animal industry issues via email: dougperry@utah.gov or call or text: (801) 808-2414. Plant industry issues For more information, contact Jack Wilbur, public information officer for UDAF plant industry issues via email: jackwilbur@utah.gov or call or text: (801) 243-2801.
American Legion celebrates 100th year anniversary INDIANAPOLIS, IN — American Legion, a U.S. war veteran’s organization, is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. The organization was founded on March 15, 1919, at the American Club near Place de la Concorde in Paris, France, by members of the American Expeditionary Forces following the end of WWI. It was chartered on Sept. 16, 1919, by the U.S. Congress. The American Legion’s four pillars: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth are as relevant today as when the organization was founded in 1919. The organization has been a leading force in recognizing the role of American service men in the safety and preservation of our country and its ideals. It has always been an
advocate for providing service and benefits to veterans. The American Legion played the leading role in drafting and passing the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, otherwise known as the “GI Bill”. In addition to organizing commemorative events, members support and provide assistance at Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals and clinics. Its primary political activity is lobbying on the behalf of veterans and service members. Sanpete County has four active American Legion Posts. Centerfield Post 107, serves the Gunnison Valley; Manti Post 31, serves the Ephraim and Manti areas; Mt. Pleasant Post 4, serves the Fairview, Mt. Pleasant and Spring City areas; and the Moroni Post 107, serves the Fountain Green, Wales,
Chester, and Moroni areas. In addition to serving within their respective communities, the Sanpete posts work together with the Veterans of Foreign Wars to ensure that veterans receive military honors at funerals and memorial services. The Sanpete American Legion Posts and the Veterans of Foreign Wars provide veterans commemorations on Memorial Day and Veterans Day throughout the Sanpete valley. All U.S. veterans and current service men are encouraged to apply for membership in the American Legion (contact a local community post). All Americans should honor the work and service of the American Legion as it begins a new century of service to country and servicemen. For more information, visit https://www.legion.org/.
Students encouraged to enter regional art show RICHFIELD — All middle school and high school students, grades 7-9 and 10-12 are encouraged to prepare now to enter their 2-D, 3-D, digital media or photography art into the upcoming Third Annual Central Utah Regional Art Show to be held at Snow College in May. Art entries for the show will be accepted Friday, May 3, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Snow College Art Gallery, Humanities Building, 200 East College Avenue, Ephraim. The art show will open to The Third Annual Central Utah Regional Art Show is coming in May. Middle school and high school students are encouraged to prepare now to enter their creations which must be ready the public and awards will for acceptance on Friday, May 3, at Snow College, Ephraim. be presented on Friday, May 10, from 6-8 p.m. All art will 8 a.m.-8 p.m., until Friday, (grades 7-9 and grades 10- Media in both divisions; then be on display in the May 17. Free admission. 12). One merit award will be making four awards. gallery on weekdays, from There are two divisions given for 3-D, Photography/ Two merit awards will be
given for 2-D work in both divisions; making an additional four awards. Four honorable mentions will be awarded along with best of show. Snow College will award Summer Snow Workshop vouchers and other awards may be available. The public schools in Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, Tintic, and Wayne counties are participating along with the private school, Wasatch Academy. Other private schools may participate with a contribution of $100 to the show. All rules and the art entry form are online at www.mycues.org.