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Mary Rathman

Health News 06/19/2024

June 18, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Students receive free sports physicals
AdventHealth physicians and the Bond Clinic teamed up with 10 high schools in East Polk County to provide free annual sports physicals to more than 1,000 student athletes, to make sure they are fit and healthy to participate in the upcoming sports seasons safely, according to a news release.

Dr. Belinda Gavino was one of several providers offering health screenings to students. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

Providers checked blood pressure, offered complete muscular-skeletal exams and looked for issues such as heart murmurs, joint tenderness, and neck and back injuries at Davenport High School.

It is common to assume that children and young adults have healthy hearts because of their age, but it is 2.5 times more likely for sudden cardiac arrest to occur in young athletes than non-athletes, the release says.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, occurs in one in every 500 people. A general exam, a look at family  history and an ECG can help identify at-risk athletes.

If a family’s health history answers “yes” to any of the following questions, a further evaluation may be needed:

  • Has your child ever fainted during exertion?
  • Has your child ever experienced chest pain during exertion?
  • Has anyone in your family ever died of sudden cardiac failure?

New children’s health bill introduced
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12-R) and Marc Veasey (TX-33-D) introduced the Early Detection of Vision Impairments in Children (EDVI) Act, which will establish grants for states and communities to improve children’s vision and eye health through screenings, early interventions and coordinated systems of care, according to a news release.

Currently there is no federally funded program in the United States that specifically addresses children’s vision or that fosters a cohesive and integrated system of eye health for children, the release says.

Some common vision disorders in childhood are: amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).

Under the EDVI Act, the Health Resources and Services Administration at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will award grants and cooperative agreements for states and local communities to:

  • Implement approaches for the early detection of vision concerns in children, referrals for eye exams and follow-up mechanisms
  • Identify barriers in access to eye care and strategies to improve eye health outcomes
  • Raise awareness about the importance of early interventions and screenings
  • Establish a coordinate public health system for vision health and eye care diagnosis and treatment
  • Develop state-based data collection, quality monitoring and performance improvement systems

Resources also will be made available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide technical assistance and guidance to states and communities to implement children’s vision screening and early intervention programs.

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club made a delivery of handmade breast pillows, port protectors, turbans and drain bags to the Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth for breast cancer patients. For more information about the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.(Courtesy of Deborah Erdahl)

Chalk Talk 06/19/2024

June 18, 2024 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of AAA)

Local student is tops as safety patrol
Oakstead Elementary School fifth-grader Sophie Cuviello has been named Florida’s AAA School Safety Patroller of the Year for the 2023-2024 school year, according to a news release.

She is one of thousands of students who participated in the AAA School Safety Patrol program.

Every year, AAA recognizes one outstanding patroller from each state. Nominees must submit an essay demonstrating how they have gone above and beyond to keep themselves and others safe and improve the well-being of peers. Judges review each applicant’s leadership qualities, safety skills, school improvement, and dedication to citizenship and volunteerism, the release says.

In addition to her patrol duties, Cuviello served as a reading buddy to kindergarten students, donated her time to local volunteer agencies, and is active in other school-related activities such as a chorus member and ball hockey team member.

“Sophie Cuviello is a tremendous representative of the AAA School Safety Patrol program and very deserving of this award,” said Michele Harris, Florida public affairs director, AAA – The Auto Club Group, in the release.

“She exemplifies the leadership qualities and safety skills of a great safety patroller. We are proud of Sophie’s contributions and are thrilled to have her represent the program,” said Harris.

Montessori camp
Blazing Stars Montessori’s camp is tailored to kids ages 3 to 10 and starts on June 24 through July 19. The school is at 12212 Fort King Road in Dade City.

The four-week immersive, Montessori-driven activity program is designed to cultivate curiosity and fun, according to a news release.

  • Morning sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Montessori Bootcamp to prepare a child for the new school year
  • Afternoon sessions are from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Students bring a lunch and have quiet/rest time followed by STEAM activities and outdoor play.

For more information, email .

The artwork of Sebastian Romo (Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

Contest winners revealed
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, announced this year’s winners of the Florida State Fish Art Contest. The program inspires creativity while encouraging the next generation of anglers and conservationists.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade submitted artwork in this free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes.

The top two Florida student artists, selected by the FWC, per category (freshwater and saltwater), in four grade brackets advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes, including Best of Show.

The selected winners are:
Grades 10-12
Winners: Charlie Sasso and Jessica Neef
Runners-Up: Louisa Elena Elias-Sowers and Isabella Jimenez
Grades 7-9
Winners: Georgia Hunnewell and Emma Nemes
Runners-Up: Grace Wang and Emily Ganee
Grades 4-6
Winners: Divya Patel and Sebastian Romo
Runners-Up: Hannah Wang and Hailey Chen
Grades K-3
Winners: Anika Goyal and Yimo Wu
Runners-Up: Vanessa Wesbur and Alessa Alger

“The creativity of these young artists truly shines through with this remarkable competition, a fantastic way to involve young individuals in fishing and conservation,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood, in the release.

To learn more about next year’s contest and how to participate, visit MyFWC.com/FishArt.

Mitchell High wins grand prize
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) School Fishing Club Program recognizes the J.W. Mitchell High School fishing team as its grand prize winner of the School Fishing Conservation Project Competition. Mitchell High is in New Port Richey. The students completed various conservation projects, including cleaning up their local waterways and working to restore vital aquatic habitat, according to a news release.

All student anglers who participated in the program were required to plan at least one conservation project to qualify for funding associated with the program. The FWC’s Conservation Project Competition awarded points per club participation in a variety of conservation-minded activities aimed at reducing the impacts of plastic pollution.

Mitchell High won the grand prize, a set of sunglasses provided by Hobie Eyewear and a private in-person custom rod building class with Mud Hole Custom Tackle.

The FWC School Fishing Club Program welcomed 23 new and 15 returning student angling clubs in Florida to the program in 2023.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/SFC.

Collegiate scholarships awarded
The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts awarded collegiate scholarships in a ceremony presented by HCI Group. Five budding artists each received a $3,000 scholarship, according to a news release.

“We have both been very pleased to participate in the 2024 Gasparilla Scholarship selection process. As early participants in the Gasparilla Festival years ago, who have both spent our careers as artists and educators in this region, we have been so glad to see the festival develop the scholarship program and other community-based initiatives to directly support our area students and emerging artists,” said jurors Dolores Coe and Bruce Marsh, in a joint statement about their jurying process.

“We hope in addition to the very tangible scholarship funds, these awards are also a source of encouragement in their pursuit to the recipients,” said Coe and Marsh.

The five scholarship winners are: My Thi Nguyen, University of Tampa; Victoria Mercado-Lues, University of South Florida; Alissa Pradera, University of Tampa; Gianna Ritornaro, University of Tampa; and Natasha Rivera-Alvarez, Hillsborough Community College.

To see more about the winners and view examples of their work, visit https://gasparillaarts.com/community/#collegiatescholarships.

The Lexington Oaks Women’s Club presented five merit awards to these seniors from the Lexington Oaks Community in Wesley Chapel: Emilie Slean, Marie Estep, Payton Webster, Eden McManus and Jack Neiman (not pictured). (Courtesy of Mary Hanchar)

Pasco County wants to hear from residents

June 11, 2024 By Mary Rathman

The Pasco community is being asked to provide feedback on Pasco’s climate vulnerabilities, such as flooding. (File)

The Resilient Pasco Project is a planning initiative aimed to promote countywide resilience and sustainability planning around vulnerabilities to climate hazards, such as flooding, storm surge, sea level rise and extreme heat.

Pasco County will host public workshops for residents to learn about the results of the countywide vulnerability assessment and to provide feedback. All workshops are from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

  • Workshop 1: June 18, at CARES Elfers Senior Center, 4136 Barker Drive, New Port Richey
  • Workshop 2: June 20, Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road, Hudson
  • Workshop 3: June 24, PHSC East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Building A, Room 240, Dade City
  • Workshop 4: June 26, Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway

For more information, visit MyPasco.net/resilience.

Published June 12, 2024

U.S. Postal Service releases dog bite rankings

June 11, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Incidents involving dog attacks on U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employees rose to more than 5,800 cases last year. Florida ranks No. 7 in the nation for dog bites, with 193 dog attacks on postal service employees in 2023, according to a news release.

As part of the USPS’ 2024 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign, which ran from June 2 to June 9, the organization offers information on how dog owners can be good stewards for safe mail delivery and ensure the safety of the postal employees. This year’s theme was “Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you.”

Letter carriers are exposed to potential hazards every day, including canine encounters. (Courtesy of U.S. Postal Service)

Dog owners can help with safe mail delivery
Letters carriers know all dogs can bite, even those perceived as nonaggressive. Dogs are generally protective of their turf and dog owners have a responsibility to control them.

Most people know the approximate time the letter carrier arrives every day, so dogs should be secured before the carrier approaches to minimize potential dangerous interactions.

Owners should keep dogs inside the house or behind a fence; away from the door or in another room; or on a leash.

Pet owners also should remind children not to take mail directly from the letter carrier, as the dog may view the carrier as a threat to the child.

Consequences of a dog attack
According to the most recent information available from the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite is $64,555, the release says.

When a postal employee suffers an injury, the owner could be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs, and pain and suffering.

Stay focused on deliveringLetter carriers are trained to observe an area where they know dogs may be present, be alert for potential dangerous conditions and to respect a dog’s territory. Carriers are trained to:

  • Make a non-threatening noise or rattle a fence to alert a dog if entering a yard
  • Never startle a dog
  • Keep their eyes on any dog
  • Never assume a dog will not bite
  • Never attempt to pet or feed a dog
  • Place their foot against an outward swinging door to prevent a dog from escaping

If a dog does attack, carriers also are trained to stand their ground and protect their body by placing something between themselves and the dog — such as a mail satchel — and to use dog repellent if necessary.

The letter carriers also have a dog feature on a handheld scanner to remind them of a possible dog hazard. Dog warning cards must be used during mail sorting to alert carriers to addresses where a dog could interfere with delivery.

Holding the mail
When a postal carrier feels unsafe, mail service can be stopped. Until the carrier feels safe enough to restart delivery, the pet owner will have to pick up their mail at the local post office.

2023 dog attack rankings by city
The top five cities in Florida reporting dog attacks are: Miami, 21; Saint Petersburg, 15; Jacksonville, 10; Orlando, 9; and Tampa, 6.

Published June 12, 2024

Pasco Habitat for Humanity affiliate recognized for contributions

June 11, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County has received the Malachi 3:10 Award, in recognition of the organization’s generosity, having contributed more than $500,000 in lifetime tithes to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity in a developing country. This milestone underscores the affiliate’s unwavering commitment to fostering global community development and improving lives through sustainable housing solutions, according to a news release.

From left: Habitat staff Jere Ferguson, program manager; Crystal Lazar, president/CEO; Terena Jones, CFO; John Mezzei, construction operations manager; and Jennifer Healey, AmeriCorps VISTA. (Courtesy of Melissa Parks/Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County Inc.)

A tithe is “the tenth part of agricultural produce or personal income set apart as an offering to God or for works of mercy, or the same amount regarded as an obligation or tax for the support of the church, priesthood, or the like,” according to the dictionary.

The Habitat Pasco tithes have been directed to Habitat for Humanity Macedonia, where they have played a pivotal role in funding housing projects, supporting local economies and empowering families to build a better future, the release says.

The award, named after the biblical verse that encourages tithing and generosity, is a testament to the affiliate’s dedication to making a meaningful impact beyond its immediate community. Malachi 3:10: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that it may be food in my house. Test me in this and see if I do not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

“We are incredibly grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to make a difference in Macedonia,” said Crystal Lazar, president/CEO of Habitat Pasco, in the release.

“Our commitment to tithing reflects our belief in the importance of supporting global communities and sharing our blessings. We hope our contributions inspire others to give generously and help transform lives through the power of decent, affordable housing,” said Lazar.

The volunteers and donors of the Habitat branch in Dade City, to date, have built 162 affordable homes in East and Central Pasco County.

For more information on how to get involved, visit HabitatPasco.org, or email .

Published June 12, 2024

Baby orangutan gets a name

June 11, 2024 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Busch Gardens)

After nearly 30,000 votes were cast online, Busch Gardens of Tampa Bay has unveiled the winning name for its baby orangutan. The critically endangered Bornean orangutan, delivered on April 14, will be named Stella. The total number of votes cast for the name was 27,000. Stella was born via c-section to the park’s resident Bornean orangutan, Luna. Stella weighed in at 3.4 pounds.

A creature of the night

June 11, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Kass Claggett spotted this black-crowned night heron in her backyard on Drexel Road in Land O’ Lakes. These herons often spend their days perched on tree limbs or concealed among foliage and branches. They forage in the evening and at night, in water, on mudflats, and on land. These are social birds that tend to roost and nest in groups, although they typically forage on their own.

Health News 06/12/2024

June 11, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Dr. Jonathon Tsai (Courtesy of BayCare)

New staff at BayCare Medical Group
Dr. Jonathon Tsai, general surgeon, has joined the BayCare Medical Group, 4211 Van Dyke Road, Suite 200, in Lutz, in the Physician Office Building on the St. Joseph’s Hospital-North campus. The surgeon earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, and completed a general surgery residency at Charleston Area Medical Center in West Virginia. Dr. Tsai prioritizes minimally invasive robotic surgery.

Strokes on the rise among young people
Research from the American Heart Association shows the rate of stroke has been steadily rising for the past 30 years among Americans younger than age 49, particularly among people living in the South and Midwest regions of the United States, according to an AdventHealth news release.

The findings came from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study, which is a peer-reviewed, large-scale assessment of global health trends. It also found the stroke rate is declining in adults ages 75 and older in the U.S.

The most recent data from the Florida Department of Health shows stroke was the fourth leading cause of death in Florida. Since 2010, the number of Floridians who died from stroke has increased. Each year there are approximately 65,000 to 75,000 hospitalizations from stroke. Stroke is also a leading cause of long-term disability, the release says.

Most risk factors for stroke in young adults are similar to those in older adults, like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity. Other risk factors include excessive alcohol use, physical inactivity, smoking and heart disease.

Health experts encourage people to remember the acronym “BE FAST” to look for symptoms:

B – Balance: look for loss of balance
E – Eyes: check for vision loss
F – Face: look for an uneven smile
A – Arms: check to see if one arm is weak
S – Speech: listen for slurred speech
T – Time: it is time to call 911 if any of these signs are present

To learn more about stroke prevention and treatment, visit AdventHealth.com.

States ranked for tick-borne illnesses
To mark National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, Pest Gnome has ranked 2024’s Worst States for Tick-Borne Illnesses, according to a news release.

(Erik Karits/Pexels)

Pest Gnome is part of the Home Gnome family of home services sites that make it easy to find home services professionals, its website says.

Fifty states were compared in six categories for the annual rates of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF).

Environmental factors such as forest area, hiking trails, and length of tick and flea season were also considered among 25 total metrics.

The most vulnerable states for tick-borne illnesses are: 1) New York, 2) Pennsylvania, 3) Texas, 4) California and 5) Wisconsin.

The least vulnerable states: 1) Hawaii, 2) Arizona, 3) Utah, 4) Idaho and 5) New Mexico.

To read the full story, visit PestGnome.com/blog/studies/worst-states-tick-borne-illnesses/.

Grantee spotlight
The Special Hearts Farm “Special Animals for Special Hearts,” in Winter Garden, serves individuals with disabilities and unique abilities by providing adult day training, supported employment, and entrepreneur business opportunities related to farming and gardening experiences.

The farm received $10,000 from the Autism License Plate grant and used the funds to support the farm, according to a news release.

Participants are trained to perform jobs including livestock care, woodworking, gardening and making goat milk soap. Products that are created, marketed and sold (goat milk, rustic signs, farm parties, goat yoga) provide an opportunity to promote community health and awareness.

The next Autism License Plate grant application cycle will open on July 1. All nonprofit organizations with an Internal Revenue Service designation as a 501(c)(3) exempt organization and State of Florida Charitable Solicitation Registration number that are providing services to individuals with autism and related disabilities in Florida are eligible to apply.

Chalk Talk 06/12/2024

June 11, 2024 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Student Citizens of the Month recognized
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce had its final Citizen of the Month ceremony in May, at Chick-fil-A in Zephyrhills, marking the end of its 26-year run. When it commences in the fall, it will be held under the East Pasco Chamber Foundation in partnership with the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Front row, from left: Kamyla Marrero Morales, Andrian Melendez, Elias McNeal, Kensley Beck, John Castro-Hernandez and Brighton Hoyle. Back row, from left: Chelsey Peace, Chick-fil-A cow, Mayor Melonie Monson, Councilman Steve Spina and Ashley Breaux.

Sober Summer Camp
Victory High School, a Florida Recovery School of TB and an option for students and families seeking recovery from addictions, will offer a Sober Summer Camp from July 22 to July 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp will include educational field trips, job training, counseling, sober activities, a sober prom, and support groups. For more information and to register, visit SummerAtVictory.com.

Fee adjustments meeting
Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its June 18 board meeting, at noon, at the North Campus in Brooksville.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing. Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu/policies-and-procedures/public-disclosure.

Level Up Youth Summit
Youth for Youth will host the third annual STAND Above the Influence “Level Up Your Life” Youth Summit on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, 10230 Ridge Road, West Room R151, in New Port Richey. This all-day train-the-trainer event aims to empower middle and high school youth to become agents of change in their communities. The event will include presentations by SWAT youth, STAND youth, inspirational speakers, vendors, food, games, prizes, DJ, and more.

Seating is limited. Register in advance. Learn more at EmpoweredCommunities.org/stand/home.

Anti-Bullying Recognition Award
The Hillsborough County Anti-Bullying Advisory Committee is accepting nominations for the annual Anti-Bullying Recognition Award. Youth or groups of youth (up to age 19) can be nominated for their outstanding efforts to further eliminate all forms of bullying affecting young people in the community. Each recipient will be recognized for their actions and accomplishments demonstrating significant activist and/or advocacy efforts on behalf of the community to address bullying or cyberbullying in Hillsborough County.

Submissions are due by June 30. For more information and to make a nomination, visit https://hcfl.gov/councils/anti-bullying-advisory-committee.

Student scholarships
Florida State Parks and the Florida Prepaid College Savings Program have joined forces for the third consecutive year to encourage families to explore all that Florida has to offer children now and in the future.

Families are invited to discover educational opportunities through the Florida 529 Savings Plan (https://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/resources/529-basics/), as well as the instructive aspects of the Florida State Parks Junior Ranger Program (https://www.floridastateparks.org/Junior-Ranger).

Ten Florida children will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship in a Florida 529 Savings Plan and a Florida State Parks Junior Ranger gift pack that includes an inflatable standup paddle board and hammock, according to a news release. The promotion runs through June 23.

“The education a student needs to be successful in their postsecondary endeavor starts early – both inside the classroom as well as outdoors,” said John D. Rood, chairman of the Florida Prepaid College Board, in the release.

“We value this partnership with Florida State Parks because it encourages hands-on, active learning. I encourage families to make the most of summer learning opportunities and the beauty of our incredible state parks,” said Rood.

To learn more and to submit an entry for the scholarship program, visit FloridaStateParks.org/FloridaPrepaid.

Reading with the Rays
Pasco County Libraries and the Tampa Bay Rays invite students to step up to the plate and read around the bases. “Reading with the Rays” is presented by the Suncoast Credit Union and awards readers with Tampa Bay Rays prizes, including a grand prize to see the baseball team in action. The campaign runs through Aug. 31 at various Pasco libraries. Participants must record 24 hours of reading on a game card and return it to the library for prizes. To learn more, bit.ly/PascoSRC2024.

Free books for eligible students
The New Worlds Reading Initiative is the first-of-its-kind, statewide program that helps children who are not yet reading on grade level grow their personal libraries and encourage a love of reading through free books delivered every month.

The program is open to any student in VPK who is not yet meeting age-appropriate standards according to FAST Star Early Literacy or any kindergarten through fifth grade student who is not yet reading on grade level.

Students get nine books a year from the year they qualify until they exit fifth grade. This summer, students also will get three bonus books to add to their personal libraries.

Upon registration, parents and students get to pick books from a curated selection. Eligible students who enroll now will still receive all 12 books for this year in the mail.

Register online, at https://www.newworldsreading.com/fl/en/enrollment.html.

Donny Van Slee, center, was named a PHSC 2024 Distinguished Alumni. (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Distinguished alumni honored
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has recognized Donny Van Slee, Class of 2018, with its 2024 Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award.

Van Slee was raised in Weeki Wachee, attended and received his Associate of Arts degree and his Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management at PHSC in 2014 and 2018, respectively.

After graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic, Van Slee relocated to Music City, enrolled in Tootsie’s Honky Tonk School and taught the ropes of performing, singing and crowd interaction in Nashville. In three years, he grew an online fanbase and he turned chairs at the NBC show, The Voice.

Van Slee resides in Nashville where he writes and releases songs, performs at local venues and practices chiropractic care.

Animal services suspended due to canine influenza

June 5, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS), 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, is suspending dog adoptions, intakes, surgeries and rescue transfers for at least the next four weeks due to the presence of canine influenza — a highly contagious virus that causes respiratory disease in dogs, according to a news release.

(File)

Normal operations are expected to resume when veterinarians determine the environment is safe for pets.

The shelter is taking these steps to care for all PCAS dogs: ongoing testing; supportive care; and contact with recent adopters/rescuers.

“The health and safety of the animals in our care, as well as people and pets in our community, is and will always be our top priority,” said PCAS Director Mike Shumate, in the release.

“We realize this suspension of services is an inconvenience for our customers, and we appreciate your understanding,” said Shumate.

Canine influenza is difficult to control in kennels and the virus is likely present in the community. If your pet is showing symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and coughing, contact your veterinarian immediately.

PCAS cat operations are not affected, including: adoptions, intakes, surgeries and rescue transfers.

Pet licensing and owner-requested euthanasia needs also remain open.

If you find a lost pet during this suspension, visit MyPasco.Net/PAS for tips on how to find the owner.

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