Broadcaster Press 5 August 23, 2016 www.broadcasteronline.com GFP Asks Landowners and Hunters to Report Dead Deer Pierre, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has documented the first deer mortality in 2016 due to hemorrhagic disease, also known as epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) or blue tongue. EHD was recently confirmed by laboratory analysis in a white-tailed deer in the southeastern part of the state. This disease is common in white-tailed deer and is typically detected in late summer or early fall. Minor deer losses to EHD can occur in any given year in South Dakota, but weather and habitat conditions will dictate the severity of the disease. EHD is not infectious to humans. The virus is spread by a biting midge and causes extensive internal hemorrhaging. Many deer exhibit no clinical signs and appear perfectly healthy, while others may have symptoms such as respiratory distress, fever and swelling of the tongue. With highly virulent strains of the virus, deer can be dead within one to three days. Affected deer are often found near low lying areas or near water like a river or a pond. This is due to the deer going to water to combat the high fever. As there will be a heightened level of activity on the country-side during crop harvest and hunting seasons, GFP asks anyone who observes sick deer or finds several dead deer to contact their local conservation officer or local GFP office. This information is valuable to wildlife managers in monitoring deer populations across the state. EHD outbreaks can be locally severe, but rarely affect a high proportion of a deer population. In rare cases, the disease can affect deer populations in certain areas of South Dakota as observed in 2012 and 2013. License adjustments were made in some units to react to these unforeseen mortality events. Deer can continue to succumb to this disease until a hard freeze reduces midge populations that carry the disease. For more information on the EHD virus visit gfp.sd.gov/wildlife/diseases/epizootic-hemorrhagic-disease.aspx. West Nile SD Department of Health Observes Risk Heats World Breastfeeding Week Up PIERRE, S.D. – August 1 through August 7, South Dakota joins the rest of the nation and PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s peak transmission for West Nile virus (WNV) is now through the end of August and health officials are warning residents activity is already increasing. "We are seeing a higher than normal number of mosquitoes test positive for West Nile this year and the number of human cases so far is already above our 10-year average,” said Dr. Lon Kightlinger, state epidemiologist for the Department of Health. “We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for people to protect themselves with insect repellent.” South Dakota had reported 19 human WNV cases as of July 28 and Kightlinger said next week’s surveillance update will show cases continuing to climb. Cases have been reported in Beadle, Bookings (2), Brown (4), Codington, Davison, Douglas, Grant, Hamlin, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha (2), Spink (2) and Todd counties. There have also been positive mosquito detections in Brookings, Brown, Edmunds, Hughes, Lincoln and Minnehaha counties. Kightlinger said South Dakota has a disproportionately high number of WNV cases and he encouraged residents to reduce their risk with the following precautions: • Apply mosquito repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535) to clothes and exposed skin. Limit exposure by wearing pants and long sleeves in the evening. • Limit time outdoors from dusk to midnight when Culex mosquitoes, the primary carrier of WNV in South Dakota, are most active. • Get rid of standing water that gives mosquitoes a place to breed. Regularly change water in bird baths, outside pet dishes, and drain water from flower pots and garden containers. • Support local mosquito control efforts. These precautions are especially important for people at high risk for WNV – those over 50, pregnant women, transplant patients, individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure, and those with a history of alcohol abuse. People with severe or unusual headaches should see their physicians. For updated case numbers and prevention information see http://westnile.sd.gov. Preventing and controlling infectious disease is one objective of the Department of Health’s 2015-2020 strategic plan, http://doh.sd.gov/strategicplan. Fishing for a new J O B countries around the globe in celebrating World Breastfeeding Week. The goal of the annual observance is to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world. According to the most recent CDC data, 77.7 percent of South Dakota mothers start breastfeeding. However, the percentages who continue breastfeeding at 6 and 12 months, as well as rates of exclusive breastfeeding, remain low and stagnant. “What these numbers tell us is that most mothers want to breastfeed but continue to face barriers to do so and don’t always get the support they need to be successful,” said Beth Honerman, RD, LN, state breastfeeding coordinator for the South Dakota Department of Health. “We can all do more to give mothers the support they need to continue breastfeeding.” Honerman noted that breastfed babies get more than 200 nutrients in addition to specific ingredients that protect their health. Breast milk changes as the baby grows, which is one reason the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies be breastfed at least a year and as long as moms and babies want after that. Mothers who breastfeed lose pregnancy weight more easily and reduce their risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, and osteoporosis. Breastfeeding is also economical, saving as much as $1,000 in formula costs during baby’s first year. Increasing the proportion of mothers who breastfeed their babies is a key measure of the department’s 2020 strategic plan objective to reduce infant mortality and improve the health of infants. In acknowledgement of the importance of breastfeeding as a public health issue, Governor Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed August 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week in South Dakota. To learn more about breastfeeding, contact the department of health office in your county (http://doh.sd.gov/local-offices/child-family-services/) or visit its www.bestfeeding website. Send Your Children Back to School Protected from Serious Diseases PIERRE, S.D. – Back-toschool season is here. It’s time for parents to gather school supplies and back-packs. It’s also the perfect time to make sure your children are up to date on their vaccines. To raise awareness of the importance of immunizations for people of all ages – and make sure children are protected with all the vaccines they need as they go back to school – the South Dakota Department of Health is joining with partners nationwide in recognizing August as National Immunization Awareness Month. “Getting your children all of the vaccines recommended by CDC’s immunization schedule is one of the most important things you can do to protect their health,” said Tim Heath, immunization coordinator for the department. “Now is a good time to check with your child’s doctor and see what vaccines they need.” Vaccines protect against serious and potentially lifethreatening diseases such as meningitis, septicemia and cancers caused by HPV. Unvaccinated children are at increased risk for these diseases and can also spread them to others – including babies too young to be fully vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems from cancer or other conditions. “And this year we want to remind parents that the state’s school entry requirements now include meningococcal and Tdap vaccines for kids entering sixth grade,” said Heath. “Meningococcal vaccine helps protect against meningitis while Tdap helps prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.” Parents can find more information about recommend- Broadcaster Press 201 W Cherry, Vermillion 605-624-4429 In South Dakota, we celebrate the great outdoors. Often called the land of “Great Faces and Great Places,” South Dakota’s differing landscapes and abundance of outdoor activities mean there is something for everyone to enjoy—any time of year. Spending time outside with our family and friends when the weather cooperates is one of our favorite pastimes. We go camping and fishing at Lake Oahe and take the grandkids tubing on the Missouri. We love visiting the Black Hills and exploring all that West River has to offer. This August marks the 100 year anniversary of the National Park Service. South Dakotans are fortunate to have access to six national parks, located throughout the state. Among them are the desolate but beautiful Badlands, and one of our country’s oldest national parks—Wind Cave. Jewel Cave in Custer, the Lewis & Clark Trail, the Minuteman Missile Site, and of course, Mount Rushmore, are all maintained by the National Park Service as well. The sixth national park may be surprising, but it is actually the Missouri River! A 100-mile stretch of the river is part of both the National Park System and the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The world’s first national park, Yellowstone, was established by Congress in 1872—before Montana or Wyoming were official states. Following that, the Organic Act of 1916 created the National Park Service as an agency under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior. The Organic Act was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on August 25, 1916. The purpose of the National Park Service was to “conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” The National Park Service has continued to fulfill this mission for the past 100 years. To celebrate its 100th birthday, the National Park Service is offering discounted or free admission this year at national parks, monuments and sites all across the country. You can visit them for free from August 25-28, 2016. Parks will also be free to visit on National Public Lands Day on September 24 and Veteran’s Day on November 11. You can visit www.nps. gov to get directions, find out about special events or learn more about the history of our parks. There is no better place to spend quality time with friends and family than the great outdoors of South Dakota. If you haven’t visited our state’s national parks yet, I highly recommend it. When you go, take a moment to appreciate the unique history of where you are standing and the years of hard work that have gone into preserving it for you and your family—and our future generations—to enjoy. MUNITY COM HOUSE OPEN R THE NE W FO Citizens both in favor and opposed to changes in Clay County’s Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) ordinance gave input to the county commission. Luis Viquez, the new director of the University of South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, is hoping musicians in the Vermillion community will audition to be part of this year’s orchestra. A full range of coverage of the Clay County Fair, with stories and photos from the princess pageant, Achievement Days, the Ranch Rodeo, the Demolition Derby, a robotics demonstration, and the Barnyard Olympics. And if you want to see: A report from Move-In Day at the University of South Dakota that welcomed nearly 1,500 students to Vermillion on Friday. A human interest story on Luis Viquez, the new director of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and conductor of the USD Concert Band. Coverage of the Vermillion Tanager Athletic Booster Bash. Pick up this Friday’s Plain Talk! Local news since 1884! Check out the employment ads in the Since 1934 By Senator Mike Rounds Stories you missed this week because you’re not a Plain Talk subscriber Here for you yesterday, today and tomorrow. bp ed vaccines at www.cdc.gov/ vaccines/ or doh.sd.gov/family/childhood/immunization/. Improving South Dakota’s age-appropriate immunization rate is one objective of the Department of Health’s 2015-2020 strategic plan, http://doh.sd.gov/strategicplan. Celebrating 100 Years Of National Parks TUESDAY, AUGUST 30 JOIN US FOR THE FIRST VOLLEYBALL GAME IN THE NEW ARENA. TOURS WILL BE AVAILABLE. DOORS OPEN AT 6 P.M. VOLLEYBALL STARTS AT 7 P.M. FANS GET $1 TICKETS AND FREE T-SHIRTS. COYOTES VS. NORTH DAKOTA 201 W. Cherry, Vermillion, SD 57069 605-624-2695