Illinois...

[ChicagoClucker]

Just came across this from the U of I Extension. Here is link for the full article.
http://www.agr.state.il.us/avianinfluenza

IDOA Restricts Out-of-State Birds at State, County Fairs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) animal health officials announced today that out-of-state birds will not be allowed to compete in Illinois exhibitions until further notice due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak affecting several states. To date, avian influenza has not been detected in Illinois. This restriction includes county fairs, FFA and 4-H fairs, Illinois State Fair, and the DuQuoin State Fair.

 

[Faraday40]

Just came across this from the U of I Extension. Here is link for the full article.
http://www.agr.state.il.us/avianinfluenza

IDOA Restricts Out-of-State Birds at State, County Fairs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) animal health officials announced today that out-of-state birds will not be allowed to compete in Illinois exhibitions until further notice due to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak affecting several states. To date, avian influenza has not been detected in Illinois. This restriction includes county fairs, FFA and 4-H fairs, Illinois State Fair, and the DuQuoin State Fair.

I know the state of IN cancelled all types of bird shows, swaps, 4H, FFA, & fairs. I couldn't understand why IL did not do the same. AI has been found in all the states surrounding IL. I personally do not know of anyone willing to take the risk of showing, but at least some precautions are in place.

 

[Faraday40]

Off topic, but after being out yesterday, is anyone else itchy from several dozen bug bites? We applied OFF before going to the fireworks, but generally do not wear it in the backyard on bright sunny days.

 

[drumstick diva]

I tried Off - 15% deet Saturday, they didn't bite me but, they were hovering all over my face. I think OFF was actually attracting them. I'll have to stay inside till the wind is brisk enough to keep mosquitoes away. I know they aren't strong flyers. I had on long sleeves, long pants, & sun hat, only skin visible was face, ears, neck -sleeves were long enough to cover backs of my hands.

 

[Faraday40]

We were outside most of the day. Didn't apply the bug spray (25% DEET in Deep Woods OFF) until evening. Watched the fireworks near a marshy area. The bugs were probably biting all day, but they were surrounding ust at night.

My poor son had to go to urgent care on Sunday. His left eye swelled to a slit. Both ears are swollen (in diff spots) & he couldn't even wear socks. He has sensitive skin & allergic reactions to insect & spider bites. He looks like someone beat him up. Even after all of that, I'm having a tough time keeping him inside. The rest of us are just itchy.

 

[ChicagoClucker]

We were outside most of the day. Didn't apply the bug spray (25% DEET in Deep Woods OFF) until evening. Watched the fireworks near a marshy area. The bugs were probably biting all day, but they were surrounding ust at night.

My poor son had to go to urgent care on Sunday. His left eye swelled to a slit. Both ears are swollen (in diff spots) & he couldn't even wear socks. He has sensitive skin & allergic reactions to insect & spider bites. He looks like someone beat him up. Even after all of that, I'm having a tough time keeping him inside. The rest of us are just itchy.

Oh no, your poor son. You could try Skin so Soft by Avon. I know quit a few people who use that as a mosquito repellent and swear by it. Also another one people are talking about is creamy baby oil, seems to work as a repellent. Hope he can enjoy the rest of summer. Bugs are such a nuisance.

 

[Junibutt]

We were outside most of the day. Didn't apply the bug spray (25% DEET in Deep Woods OFF) until evening. Watched the fireworks near a marshy area. The bugs were probably biting all day, but they were surrounding ust at night.

My poor son had to go to urgent care on Sunday. His left eye swelled to a slit. Both ears are swollen (in diff spots) & he couldn't even wear socks. He has sensitive skin & allergic reactions to insect & spider bites. He looks like someone beat him up. Even after all of that, I'm having a tough time keeping him inside. The rest of us are just itchy.

Sorry to hear about your son. How is he doing now?

Oh no, your poor son. You could try Skin so Soft by Avon. I know quit a few people who use that as a mosquito repellent and swear by it. Also another one people are talking about is creamy baby oil, seems to work as a repellent. Hope he can enjoy the rest of summer. Bugs are such a nuisance.

Thats why we need more bug eating animals in our environment. Frogs and lizzards would definitely help. But also if people take care of their puddles and other stagnant water sources, there would be somewhat less mosquitoes

 

[ChicagoClucker]

Sorry to hear about your son. How is he doing now?

Thats why we need more bug eating animals in our environment. Frogs and lizzards would definitely help. But also if people take care of their puddles and other stagnant water sources, there would be somewhat less mosquitoes

I agree with you on that note Junibutt. But, my favorite firework show is also held right by a nature walking path right where I grew up. Beautiful walking path, with ponds filled with ducks, frogs, turtles and other water fowl. But on July 4th, we are a feast for the mosquitoes! My youngest daughter also has a sensitivity to bug bites.My daughter was getting these bites, like Faraday's son that would just swell up huge. We thought they were spider bites and took her to the ER because she would end up having a red streak start traveling towards her chest. Docs put her on antibiotics, but didn't know what it was from. Til one day, I came across an article about a specific flea that cats carry, of which we had 2 at the time. For certain people, like my daughter, it causes a blood infection that travels to the heart. The cats were rehomed and that was the end of the bites.
.
I also am a member of our local garden club. We maintain some of the communities gardens (obviously not mine this year! Chickens ate most of it!) 1 of our members wants to rip out a specific garden because there are Garter snakes in there. We as a majority, had to point out the benefits of having snakes living in our gardens. Some people don't realize how important the balance in nature is.

 

[Faraday40]

I also am a member of our local garden club. We maintain some of the communities gardens (obviously not mine this year! Chickens ate most of it!) 1 of our members wants to rip out a specific garden because there are Garter snakes in there. We as a majority, had to point out the benefits of having snakes living in our gardens. Some people don't realize how important the balance in nature is.

In Belize, most people believe that snakes are evil & kill them on site. I was surprised by that. While there I always chose the bed nearest to the 1st lizard we spotted. (I figured my good luck gecko would be more preferable to a giant spider.) Spiders are the one thing I get a little creepy about. I leave them alone if they leave me alone.

 

[Faraday40]

My son is doing a little better. Still looks swollen, but maybe not as red & angry.