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Tag: Quarantine

  • Multnomah County Animal Shelter Resumes Full Operations, Dog Quarantine Lifted – KXL

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    MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OR – Multnomah County Animal Services has fully reopened after the Oregon Department of Agriculture lifted a quarantine imposed earlier this month following a bacterial outbreak.

    The quarantine, issued February 12th, was lifted Monday, allowing the shelter to resume all services, including dog adoptions and standard intake of stray animals.

    In coordination with the state veterinarian, shelter officials reported no additional unassisted deaths since the outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus was first identified and reported February 12th.

    Two dogs died from the bacteria prior to the quarantine. On the day the quarantine began, the shelter humanely euthanized a third dog experiencing a declining medical condition with symptoms similar to the first two.

    Under the direction of the state veterinarian, the shelter partially lifted restrictions February 19th, resuming dog adoptions while continuing to pause stray dog intake. During that period, the adoption process included added safety precautions. Adopters were asked to limit interactions to two dogs per visit, observe a 14-day home quarantine after adoption and review an informational sheet about the bacteria.

    Shelter officials credited the community with helping limit the spread of illness by keeping stray dogs out of the facility during the closure.

    With full intake resuming, however, the shelter anticipates a surge in stray arrivals following the 10-day pause.

    “The safety of the animals in our care remains our top priority and we are grateful for the community’s patience, as well as the dedication and vigilance of our staff and volunteers as we worked with the state veterinarian to contain this outbreak,” said Erin Grahek, director of the Animal Services Division. “However, to maintain this healthy environment and provide relief for good Samaritans in the community holding found dogs, we need to find homes for our dogs currently at the shelter to make room for those arriving in the next few days.”

    Animal Services officials warned that a rise in intakes could increase the risk of disease transmission if shelter capacity grows too quickly. They are urging residents to prioritize adoption to help reduce crowding and maintain a healthy environment for animals in their care.

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    Tim Lantz

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  • Multnomah Co Shelter Quarantined After Strep Outbreak Kills Two Dogs – KXL

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    PORTLAND, OR – Multnomah County Animal Services said it has been placed under quarantine after confirming an outbreak of Streptococcus zooepidemicus, a contagious from of bacteria that can cause rapid-onset pneumonia in dogs, resulting in two confirmed deaths and a third suspected case.

    The shelter notified the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon State Veterinarian of the outbreak and was issued a quarantine notice under standard protocol, officials said.

    There are currently two confirmed dog deaths linked to the outbreak. A third dog that exhibited similar clinical symptoms is considered a suspected case, pending further confirmation, officials said.

    As illnesses and deaths began to occur, the shelter intensified its disinfection schedule, increased the frequency of veterinary rounds and launched contact tracing efforts. Laboratory testing was conducted and analyzed by Oregon State University. Once preliminary results identified the presence of the bacteria, the shelter reported the findings to the state.

    The shelter said it is pausing all dog intakes and adoptions effective immediately. It will not accept newly found dogs until further notice.

    Owners may still reclaim lost pets, though the State Veterinarian may require additional at-home care. Updates on shelter operations and adoption schedules will be posted at multcopets.org.

    “We are treating this situation with the utmost urgency,” said Margi Bradway, director of the Multnomah County Department of Community Services. “Our team began shifting resources and responding immediately, and we remain fully committed to the safety of every pet in our care and the health of the broader community.”

    The shelter remains open for cat and small animal adoptions, as well as for owners reclaiming lost pets.

    Officials are urging anyone who finds stray dogs to provide temporary “finder-foster” care at home, or to ask friend, family, and neighbors to shelter those dogs instead of taking them to Multnomah County Animal Services, for the time being.  Another option can be online lost-and-found pet networks.

    Shelter officials said most lost pets are typically found within a few blocks of their home and encouraged residents to speak with neighbors in the area where an animal was found. Members of the public are also advised to file a “Found Pet Report” on the shelter’s website and have found animals scanned for a microchip at a local veterinary clinic or pet supply store, a service that is often provided free of charge.

    State officials did not immediately indicate how long the quarantine would remain in effect.

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    Tim Lantz

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  • 6 Things to Know When Your Cat Has a Ringworm Infection | Animal Wellness Magazine

    6 Things to Know When Your Cat Has a Ringworm Infection | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Ringworm is a common infection cat parents must deal with. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect yourself, your cat, and other family members. Here are the top six things to know about ringworm infections and how to deal with them.

    If you’re a cat parent and aren’t familiar with ringworm, consider yourself lucky! Ringworm is a common fungal infection that impacts cats. The name comes from the characteristic ring-shaped rash it causes, rather than a type of worm. In fact, this infection has nothing to do with worms at all! Ringworm infections are caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which are extremely common, so infections can happen easily. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or facing your first infection, these six tips will help you control and treat ringworm in cats!

    1. Any Cat Can Get Ringworm

    You often see ringworm infections in cats with weaker immune systems, such as kittens, seniors, and unhealthy feral cats. What’s more, long-haired cats get ringworm more often because it’s more difficult for them to groom themselves. However, any cat can get this infection.

    2. It’s Highly Infectious

    Ringworm isn’t usually a serious infection and is easily treatable, but it’s very infectious. You or your cat can get ringworm from coming into contact with an infected animal, person, bedding, or other objects.

    3. You Shouldn’t Pet a Cat with Ringworm (Because You Can Get It)

    Many species of ringworm are zoonotic, meaning you can get it from touching an infected cat (or vice versa). If you do need to handle a cat with ringworm, protect yourself by:

    • Covering any cuts or scrapes you have
    • Wearing gloves, long sleeves, and an apron
    • Washing your hands and clothes after handling the cat

    4. Quarantine a Cat with a Ringworm Infection

    Because ringworm is so contagious, it’s important to quarantine an infected cat to protect yourself and other two- and four-legged family members in the house. Isolation usually lasts between two and four weeks, though treatment typically lasts five to six weeks. Once your cat has started treatment, quarantine should continue until you get a negative result from a fungal culture that your veterinarian can take.

    5. You Must Clean Everything in Your Cat’s Environment

    Ringworm spores are invisible and persistent: You can’t see them with the naked eye, and they can lie dormant for years. As such, it’s important to wash everything you can and throw out/replace anything that can’t be washed. Here are some additional tips:

    • Wipe surfaces with a pet-friendly disinfectant (this does NOT include Lysol)
    • Steam clean or shampoo carpets and furniture
    • Wash food and water bowls with disinfectant soap
    • Vacuum and clean surfaces every couple of days
    • Wash your cat’s bedding, towels, your clothes, and cleaning cloths twice with bleach
    • Disinfect brushes and grooming tools

    6. Start Treatment Immediately

    Talk to your vet about whether your cat should be clipped or shaved. In terms of treatment, Banixx Pet Care and Banixx Medicated Shampoo are simple, affordable, and effective products that treat a ringworm infection. Safe for kittens, puppies, cats, dogs, and other animals, these gentle yet powerful products have anti-fungal properties that control and prevent the spread of ringworm while soothing itchy, painful skin.

    Visit Banixx to learn more!


    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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    Animal Wellness

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  • Best Marijuana Hacks For Winter

    Best Marijuana Hacks For Winter

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    Snow is hitting parts of the country and the chill is driving people indoors…how do I consume so I manage the winter months

    Snowstorms are raging in parts and the country and the holidays are nest month.  We now have darkness in the evenings and always need a coat or scarf. rWith less incentive and options to go out and have fun, it looks like the majority of our time will be spent indoors. And here are the best marijuana hacks for winter. While you’ll hopefully spend your time doing a healthy mix of different activities, don’t beat yourself up if you end up smoking more weed than usual.

    Look for sales and hint for Holiday gifts

    Holiday sales are later this month and find out if your local dispensary is going to put any of your favorites on sale?  Maybe talk to the bud tender beforehand so you can be prepared to stock up! Even after the holidays, in the the slow months, sales are not uncommon.

    Also, for either Friendsgiving or a Green Christmas, do you friends know what you like, never hurts to share which brand and flavor of gummy is your go two. Unfortunately, in some states there is no way to legally provide any form of gift card or offer deemed as a “coupon” by the state.

    Store it correctly

    Photo by Zummolo/Getty Images

    RELATED: 8 Ways to Enjoy Marijuana Without Smoking It

    If you are buying edibles and oils, they are already pre-packaged, but think of a place to put them were they are not “shared” accidentally (be it kids or a greedy relative/roommate). When purchasing significant amounts of flower, it’s important to store it properly in order to not waste any money or product. Don’t store large amounts of weed in Ziploc bags, since they’ll lose all of their stickiness. Place your weed in mason jars, with airtight lids, and place them in areas where there’s no direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. This will preserve the quality of your product without losing smell or flavor. Need more suggestions? Here are 8 Ways To Properly Store Marijuana For Freshness.

    Have a comfortable consuming space

    With edibles and oils, you don’t really need to special place, they are the perfect on the go treats.  Vaping has less of an odor and it great for moving around. But if you want to go old school, a good smoking space can transform your smoking experience. Whether your bedroom or your couch, make the space comfy and inviting, someplace you’d be happy to spend hours on end. Make sure there’s a window nearby so  the smell and air will clear out. You will also need to wash nearby blankets and sheets with some regularity.

    Stock up on healthy snacks

    vegan cannabis fruit snacks
    Photos by Danielle Guercio

    RELATED: How To Make Your Joints Burn Slower

    The holidays are already a tough time on everyone’s waistline. If you’re the type of person who gets very intense munchies, save yourself some stress by stocking up on healthy snacks  can be stored and preserved. Limit the amount of junk foods you purchase, since they’ll look extra appetizing after you start your journey.

    RELATED: Science Explains How Marijuana Inspires Awe 

    Build up your kief stash

    Buy a grinder with an extra level on the bottom, perfect for storing kief. Build up your reserves and use these to add an extra kick to your joints. Your kief will build up naturally, without much work from you. Just be sure to store your grinder in a dark and cool space, way the quality of the kief won’t be messed with. But first, What Is Kief And What To Do With It.

    Enjoy the best hacks for marijuana this winter and, remember, spring isn’t too far away.

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    Sarah Johns

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  • ‘Quarantine Academy’ Connects People & Ideas in a Pandemic Era

    ‘Quarantine Academy’ Connects People & Ideas in a Pandemic Era

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    Online learning series demonstrates how a volunteer network of friends can leverage technology to create human connection and compelling content during the pandemic lockdown

    Press Release



    updated: Apr 30, 2020

    Conceived over a few days in mid-March as the scope of the COVID-19 situation grew increasingly clear, a volunteer community service project – Quarantine Academy – was quickly developed among a group of friends to provide free learning opportunities for adults and children. Launched before schools and many businesses had fully developed a structure around online learning and work, it quickly became an international success.

    Over the last six weeks, Quarantine Academy offered 75 online sessions with 58 different presenters. Topics included how to raise urban chickens, the secrets of South Asian percussion, a TikTok tutorial for adults, a deep dive into the U.S. court system, and much more. “Student Superintendents,” who ranged from 14 to 17, took the lead for both Quarantine Academy and Quarantine Academy Kids by coordinating with presenters and mediating the sessions. The 25-minute sessions averaged almost 400 participants a week from across the United States and around the world.

    “One of the best things about Quarantine Academy,” said 17-year old Student Superintendent Katie Stansel, “was creating a platform to connect so many different talents and interesting people. It was also a great way to stay productive before school schedules implemented their routines.”

    “We had people both teaching and learning from all over the world – from Italy, California, New York, and everywhere in between,” said Adam Sherinian, another volunteer Student Superintendent. He added, “What connects us in a crisis is the need to be with other people. When it can’t be in your living room, you just have to do it on Zoom.” 

    Quarantine Academy concludes this Friday, May 1, with some discussion about possibly continuing special sessions this summer. In addition to providing unique and accessible learning opportunities early in the pandemic, this endeavor is an example of how a casual network of friends and colleagues can quickly respond to a community need using technology and sharing expertise.

    What: Closing sessions of Quarantine Academy
    Where: Log-in info available at quarantineacademy.com/about-quarantine-academy/
    12 p.m. EDT (Quarantine Academy Kids); 1 p.m. EDT (Quarantine Academy)

    For More Information, Contact:
    David Billotti
    646-732-2733
    dbillotti@gmail.com

    Source: Quarantine Academy

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