Local Info Displaying items by tag: Middle Tennessee
Rabies confirmed in two horses in Middle Tennessee
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Departments of Health and Agriculture announce that rabies has been diagnosed in two horses. One horse, submitted for testing in January 2012, died in rural Rutherford County, and the other was submitted this month from Marshall County. Both horses had a type of rabies virus found in skunks in Tennessee, although it is not known how they were infected.
“The deaths of these animals serve as a somber reminder of the importance of rabies vaccination. Our pets, often including horses, are more likely to come into contact with wild animals than people are. Protecting pets with rabies vaccination can provide a barrier against rabies from wild animals,” said Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “Keeping our pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date is an effective and important way to protect both them and our human loved ones.”
The best protection against rabies in household pets, horses and some other farm animals is rabies vaccination. Vaccination of dogs and cats is required by Tennessee law. Having companion animals vaccinated against rabies helps protect people from rabies, too. The Tennessee Department of Health reminds Tennesseans that preventing exposure of people and their pets to the rabies virus is a priority; please consult your veterinarian for more information.
Rabies is a virus transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. Nationwide, 37 horses were diagnosed with rabies in 2010, the most recent year for which data are available. In Tennessee in 2011, rabies was diagnosed in 63 animals, including two horses, five dogs, 12 bats, 43 skunks, and one raccoon. Rabies infection occurs primarily in wildlife in Tennessee, but can be transmitted to any mammal. Bites are the most common means of transmission; contact with saliva from an infected animal can also be a concern. Rabies is nearly always fatal, but illness can be prevented in humans by prompt vaccination before symptoms develop.
In addition to vaccination of companion animals, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from rabies by staying away from wild animals. Do not attempt to assist, feed or handle wild animals. If a wild or stray domestic animal appears sick or acts strangely, report it to your local animal control agency. Bats in particular should not be handled. If a bat is found inside, in a swimming pool or brought home by your pets, use precautions and consult your local health department.
“People, especially young children and teenagers, are curious about nature and animals, but wild animals and unfamiliar pets may pose a health risk to them,” said Rand Carpenter, DVM, public health veterinarian with TDOH. “It is important that parents and other adults educate children to observe wildlife from a safe distance and not touch any wild animals or unfamiliar domestic animals.”
Individuals can take the following actions to help prevent the spread of rabies:
• Keep vaccinations up-to-date for all dogs and cats and consider vaccinating horses against rabies. Consult your veterinarian for details.
• Keep pets confined or under direct supervision so they do not come into contact with wild animals.
• Keep children away from any wild or dead animals, including bats.
• Do not disturb bats. Instead, consult your local health department or animal control agency for assistance in dealing with potential exposure to bats.
• Contact your local health department if you are concerned about any potential rabies exposures to your family or your pets.
For more information or assistance with a potential human rabies exposure, call your local health department or the Tennessee Department of Health emergency line at 615-741-7247. For questions about animal health, contact the Tennessee Department of Agriculture at 615-837-5120 or .
TEAM IRELAND brings the Gaelic language to Middle Tennessee.
TEAM IRELAND describes a the partnership between nine distinct groups in Middle Tennessee that have an existing alliance with Ireland in a specific way. These groups strive to promote and support an active relationship with Ireland in various ways including Education, Theater and Film, Gaelic Games (G.A.A), Christianity, Music/Traditions/Customs/Folklore, Linguistics, Tourism, Genealogy and History. The goal of TEAM IRELAND is to advance and to ameliorate these robust Irish relationships from an altruistic perspective; through a sentiment of truly honoring the culture and heritage of both Ireland and Middle Tennessee. TEAM IRELAND's mission is to bring together the people of both regions and to celebrate our common ancestry, to foster dignity and to continue to create beauty from our shared bond of Irishness. This sentiment is perpetuated by the logo and mantra, "TEAM IRELAND, Fostering Dignity and Beauty in Our Shared Irishness".
TEAM IRELAND and A.I.C.E (Authentic Ireland Cultural Enrichment and member of TEAM IRELAND promoting traditional Irish music, Gaelic language, traditions and folklore) are delighted to learn that many Middle Tennesseans are very eager to learn the native Irish language called Irish Gaelic. We are so lucky to have Meaití Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta and his sister Máirín Jó Shéamuis (Mhic Risteáird or Richardson) from Connemara to teach the classes, which will be available online and so to anyone in the world who would like to participate.
The classes will kickoff on January 16th, 2012 at 6pm CST, 'The Ireland Room' at O'More College of Design, Franklin, TN and again the live classes will also be available online (Skype).
Each weekly class will last one hour and will consist mainly of Irish conversation or Cómhrá Ghaeilge, where each student will learn how to converse on various topics through the Gaelic language (see curriculum on http://www.eiliscreanaice.com/gaelic_lessons.html). Some of the content for the Cómhrá will be based around common themes such as new years resolutions or St. Patrick's Day celebrations, for example. However, the main purpose and goal of the classes will be to also teach the students about the Irish heritage and culture. By the end of each semester, each participant should be able to converse as gaeilge in an informed way, on an array of topics such as traditional Irish music, song, dance, storytelling, history and many more ideas prevalent to the Irish culture.
Each class will cost $10. The first semester will be 10 weeks in duration. We encourage everyone to sign up for the 10 weeks so that the maximum benefit can be derived from the tuition and to foster real progress with the language. A.I.C.E is offering the class at a very reasonable price because our focus is to pass along the real Irish culture in the form of language, music, song, dance and story. Please use the paypal button on the website to signup for the classes http://www.eiliscreanaice.com/gaelic_lessons.html
If TEAM IRELAND's mission and vision appeals to you and if you'd like to learn more about joining our team, please email " style="color: #336699; text-decoration: underline; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; background-color: #ffe4c4;"> for information or check out www.eiliscreanAICE.com.
Severe weather likely late tonight, overnight
A potent upper level storm system accompanied by rich low-level moisture will result in the potential for severe weather late tonight. Initially, some isolated supercell thunderstorms, with tornadic potential and large hail will be possible.
Air quality alert until midnight for Middle Tennessee
CODE ORANGE HEALTH ADVISORY FOR THE NASHVILLE AREA...IN EFFECT ON
FRIDAY.
A CODE ORANGE AIR QUALITY ALERT FOR OZONE HAS BEEN ISSUED. GROUND LEVEL
OZONE CONCENTRATIONS WITHIN THE REGION MAY APPROACH OR EXCEED UNHEALTHY
STANDARDS. THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS NOT LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED. ACTIVE
CHILDREN AND ADULTS, AND PEOPLE WITH RESPIRATORY DISEASE SUCH AS
ASTHMA, SHOULD LIMIT PROLONGED OUTDOOR EXCERTION. FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION...VISIT THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND
CONSERVATION SITE AT HTTP://WWW.TENNESSEE.GOV/ENVIRONMENT.
Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee signup deadline near
Bicycle enthusiasts across the state are encouraged to register for the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, slated for Sept. 10-17. In its 22nd year, this year’s seven-day ride will feature a loop through some of Middle Tennessee’s most stunning landscapes.
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Costs for riders range from $355 for the full, seven-day ride to $50 for a single-day rider. There is a $125 non-rider charge for those using alternative transportation.
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All costs include accommodations and food, excluding single-day riders.
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Each registered participant will receive a commemorative 2011 BRAT T-shirt.
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Daily mileage ranges from 87 miles on the first and longest leg of the route to 52 miles on the final day.
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The early deadline fee has been extended to Sept. 1. There are only a few slots left for the three-day ride, with several still available for the seven-day ride.
Air quality alert for ozone over area today
AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MIDNIGHT CDT WEDNESDAY NIGHT...
THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION HAS ISSUED A CODE ORANGE HEALTH ADVISORY FOR THE NASHVILLE AREA...IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MIDNIGHT CDT WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
A CODE ORANGE AIR QUALITY ALERT FOR OZONE HAS BEEN ISSUED. GROUND LEVEL OZONE CONCENTRATIONS WITHIN THE REGION MAY APPROACH OR EXCEED UNHEALTHY STANDARDS. THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS NOT LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED. ACTIVE CHILDREN AND ADULTS, AND PEOPLE WITH RESPIRATORY DISEASE SUCH AS ASTHMA, SHOULD LIMIT PROLONGED OUTDOOR EXCERTION. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...VISIT THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION SITE AT HTTP://WWW.TENNESSEE.GOV/ENVIRONMENT.
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Air quality alert for ozone for area today
The air quality index is expected to reach 101, signaling an orange alert for ozone that poses a risk to young children, asthmatics and the elderly.
Residents are advised to restrict travel where possible and at-risk groups should avoid long term exposure outdoors.
Here's more from the National Weather Service:
...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT TO MIDNIGHT CDT
WEDNESDAY NIGHT...
THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION HAS ISSUED A
CODE ORANGE HEALTH ADVISORY FOR THE NASHVILLE AREA...IN EFFECT FROM
MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MIDNIGHT CDT WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
A CODE ORANGE AIR QUALITY ALERT FOR OZONE HAS BEEN ISSUED. GROUND LEVEL
OZONE CONCENTRATIONS WITHIN THE REGION MAY APPROACH OR EXCEED UNHEALTHY
STANDARDS. THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS NOT LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED. ACTIVE
CHILDREN AND ADULTS, AND PEOPLE WITH RESPIRATORY DISEASE SUCH AS
ASTHMA, SHOULD LIMIT PROLONGED OUTDOOR EXERTION. FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION...VISIT THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND
CONSERVATION SITE AT HTTP://WWW.TENNESSEE.GOV/ENVIRONMENT.
Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee registering now
Bicycle enthusiasts across the state are already gearing up for the annual Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, which will kick off its 22nd year with a seven-day ride beginning Sept. 11 and will feature a loop through some of Middle Tennessee’s most stunning landscapes.
-
Costs for riders range from $355 for the full, seven-day ride to $50 for a single-day rider. There is a $125 non-rider charge for those using alternative transportation.
-
All costs include accommodations and food, excluding single-day riders.
-
Each registered participant will receive a commemorative 2011 BRAT T-shirt.
-
Daily mileage ranges from 84 miles on the first and longest leg of the route to 52 miles on the final day.
