Avian Influenza Detections Lead to Launch of New Service

Nashville, TN – Following a new detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is launching a service to keep bird owners informed of health threats to their flocks.

This latest detection in Weakley County affects a backyard flock of chickens that produce eggs. Testing at the C.E. Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory in Nashville and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa confirmed the presence of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in samples from sick birds.

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Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency releases statement regarding Bird Disease Calls

Nashville, TN – Reports of dead birds have been increasing in Tennessee due to the recent news coverage of a disease affecting birds in several eastern and midwestern states. The disease is reportedly causing eye swelling and crusty discharge from the eyes of birds and may also be associated with neurological symptoms.

 A significant number of reports have come from Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Most birds reported exhibiting this condition are young and have included common grackles, European starlings, blue jays, and American robins along with other species of songbirds.

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Land Between the Lakes to Host Birding Bonanza May 11th

Golden Pond, KY – Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area invites all bird lovers to Woodlands Nature Station for a Birding Bonanza on Saturday, May 11th.

Enjoy guided walks, learn to identify common birds, get tips on attracting birds to your backyard, go on a scavenger hunt, enjoy face to face encounters with Nature Station’s birds, and more! All programs are free with Nature Station admission.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report West Nile virus cases on the rise

Washington, D.C. – As of September 11th, 2012, 48 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 2,636 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 118 deaths, have been reported to CDC.

Of these, 1,405 (53%) were classified as neuroinvasive disease (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and 1,231 (47%) were classified as non-neuroinvasive disease.

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Land Between The Lakes’ 6th Annual Elk and Bison Prairie Celebration

Golden Pond, KY – Celebrate the wonders of the Elk and Bison Prairie on Saturday, September 15th, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the Golden Pond Visitor Center in Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area.

“Bring your family and friends out for this once-a-year opportunity to hear an elk bugle, learn how people used prairie plants and animals, and just enjoy a beautiful September day,” said Curtis Fowler, Range Technician at LBL. [Read more]

Tennessee Department of Health urges precautions to protect against Illness spread by Mosquito Bites

Nashville, TN – Tennessee’s Department of Health and Department of Agriculture are urging Tennesseans, including horse owners and veterinarians, to be on the alert for the re-emergence of viruses transmitted by mosquitoes.

As many states are experiencing one of the largest outbreaks of West Nile virus in recent years, Tennessee is beginning to see cases in humans and horses. In Tennessee, most human WNV cases occur in August and September, and so far this summer, there have been six human cases reported in the state.

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LBL Hosts a Birding Bonanza May 12th

Land Between the Lakes

Golden Pond, KY – Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area invites all bird lovers to Woodlands Nature Station for a Birding Bonanza on Saturday, May 12th.

Enjoy guided walks, learn to identify common birds, get tips on attracting birds to your backyard, build your own nest, go on a scavenger hunt, enjoy face to face encounters with Nature Station’s raptors, and more! [Read more]