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Show IcDfe Nephi, Utah Ttmcs-cto- s Page 10 fort, it appears that CWD widespread in Utah, Chronic wasting disease appears to be bentered in two eastern Utah areas Chronic wasting disease .in deer in Utah appears to be centered in the LaSal Mountains east of Moab and Diamond Mountain north of Vernal, the Division of Wild- life Resources announced Dec. 15. Final results of an extensive sampling effort by the DWR during this years deer hunts are now available, and two more deer have tested positive for CWD. Both animals were taken on Diamond Mountain north of Vernal. Beginning with the states archery buck deer hunt in August, and ending with the rifle hunt in October, DWR staff collected 3,167 tissue samples from deer. Most of these samples came from 17 of Utahs 30 hunting units. chosen for extensive sampling because DWR biologists believed they were areas where CWD would be most likely found. Hunters took most of the deer sampled, while others were hit by cars or were taken in agricultural damage situations. Eight of the 3,167 samples tested positive for CWD. Four of the deer were taken by hunters on the LaSal Moun These 17 units are located acfoss the state and were Nursery Kings 250 South Main, Nephi & 623-331- 9 is not said Leslie McFarlane, tains east of Moab, one during the archery hunt and three during the rifle hunt. Three deer were killed on Diamond Mountain north of Vernal, one during the archery hunt and two (the latest two findings) during the rifle hunt. The eighth deer was killed near Fountain Green in cen- tral Utah because it was damaging crops. From our sampling ef Landscaping 6 Mon. 9 Sat - Jtt WREATHS & ALL ORNAMENTS GARLAND Sanpete County in central Utah, where a deer that was damaging crops near the city of Fountain Green in August tested positive for CWD. Its the only deer sampled outside the two eastern Utah areas that has tested positive for the disease. After we obtained that positive sample, we obtained 547 additional samples from the area, and none of them turned up positive, McFar- lane said. Were deciding now whether we need to obtain additional samples. DWR officials need only 10 more samples from the San Juan unit in southeastern Utah to draw statistically valid conclusions about how prevalent CWD is in all of the 17 units tested this year. Even if we cant obtain those samples, weve obtained enough to be almost certain 10 we dont have CWD in that unit, she said. Were pleased with how the sampling effort turned out, McFarlane said. It tells OFF OFF may collect more samples is that 20 30 wild- the DWR. And the percentage of deer infected in the two eastern Utah areas is very low. One area where the DWR life biologist with us CWD isnt widespread in Utah and the infection rate where it is found is very low. ALPINE CHRISTMAS TREES 38? 30 Mi 20 OFF FIBER DECORATIONS OPTICS TREES 30 Ms m uSwaSlSSUllSkBi OFF OUTDOOR m OFF DWR officials will meet this month to start planning sampling efforts for 2004. One thing I know well do is sample the three units where CWD was found this year, to learn whether the infection rate in those units has increased, McFarlane said. Theres also a good chance will do extensive sampling 10 OFF December 17, 2003 in southwestern Utah. We didnt obtain many samples from units in those areas this year. Since February 2003, a total of 10 deer in Utah have tested positive for CWD. Five of those deer were killed in the LaSal Mountains, four were taken near Vernal and one was killed near Fountain Green. CWD attacks the central nervous system of deer and elk and is fatal to animals that contract it. However, according to the World Health Organization, There is currently no evidence that CWD in cervidae deer and elk is transmitted to humans. For more information about CWD, including tips on handling animals taken in the field, visit the DWRs Internet Web site at wildlife. utah.govhuntingbiggame cwd. Health Department announces flu vaccine restrictions Due to the severity of the current flu outbreak and the increased dangers to children, the Central Utah Public Health Department will be limiting flu vaccination to young children until further notice. With our flu vaccine supply almost exhausted and after consulting with the Centers for Disease Control, we will be limiting flu vaccine to children from ages 6 months to 5 years old who have not yet been vaccinated, reports Robert Resendes, Health Yy OS WADT0M HOLOIMY CASH FC Y(UJ22 Officer. This is not an easy decision but there just isnt enough vaccine for everyone who wants it so we have had to restrict vaccines only to this flu seasons most vulnerable population children. Restricting vaccine to high risk groups is common in times of vaccine shortages. Under ideal circumstances theres enough medicine and vaccine for everyone. These are not ideal circumstances, says Sue Hilderbrand, Immunization Coordinator. Younger children normally receive two flu doses, one month apart. .Public health officials at the CDC have recommended that given the choice, it would be better for more children to get just one vaccine than for fewer children to receive two vaccines. Although two doses would be ideal, one dose should provide ample protection against the flu or at least minimize the symptoms of the disease. At this time, we have no idea if we will be able to get any more vaccine. In the United States, only two companies in the private sector produces the vaccine. They have run out of vaccine and it takes weeks to do that. We are at their mercy, added Fasti, mit?ndleiratiDal Seiran irotioy Foiraaira irp) 386 S State St. Orem, Utah 84058 (SOU) 226-022- 2 Hablamos Espahol O N University Ave., Provo, Utah 84601 (SOU ) 373-(Q3- 3 Hablamos Espahol I Resendes. The Central Utah Public Health Department will be monitoring local and national influenza case volume, vaccine availabilty and demand for vaccine. As circumstances change, the Central Utah Public Health policy will change accordingly. By the end of this year, the health department will also try to reduce local cold and flu infections by implementing an Ask for a Mask program where sick clients who come to a clinic will be asked to wear a surgical mask to keep their germs contained. The Ask for a Mask message encourages those visiting health care buildings to request a mask if they have a fever with cough or rash and to wear it for the duration of their visit. Wearing masks is an effective way to limit the spread of respiratory diseases which can be spread to others from tiny droplets that exit the nose or mouth of an infected person when they cough, sneeze or talk. Colds, flu, whooping cough, measles, rubella and SARS are all examples of diseases that can be spread by droplets in the air. Subscribe Today! |