Category: Press Release
Idaho Discovers Invasive Mussels in Aquarium Products
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture’s (ISDA) Invasive Species Program announced today the detection of invasive zebra mussels in aquarium products sold in the state. The ISDA has found live, viable zebra mussels in Marimo moss balls which commonly are sold for use in aquariums.
ISDA officials were first made aware of the issue Wednesday and agency personnel immediately responded with in-person inspections. ISDA’s response has been part of a coordinated nationwide effort to remove these products from store shelves and advise stores and the public about proper disposal of affected material.
ISDA is working with local Petco store managers to obtain any additional product currently in transit. “Store managers and staff have been very cooperative in this process,” said Nic Zurfluh, Invasive Species Section Manager. “They have worked with us, and we are grateful for their understanding.”
What the Public Can Do
Do not dump aquarium tank water or dispose of moss balls in natural waterbodies.
Aquarium owners can safely dispose of the moss ball(s) by one of two methods:
- Remove the moss ball(s) and place in a plastic bag. Put the bag in a freezer and leave for at least 24 hours. After that, the moss ball(s) can be disposed of in the trash.
- Place moss ball(s) in boiling water for at least one full minute. After that, the moss ball(s) can be disposed of in the trash.
For moss balls that have already been in an aquarium, the ISDA recommends cleaning the entire aquarium:
- Collect fish and plants and place them in another container. Dispose of the water in a sink or toilet (municipal wastewater is treated to kill pathogens, and septic tanks are fully self-contained underground).
- Carefully scrub the tank, accessories, rocks, and decorations with a strong solution of chlorine bleach/water. Another option (if you don’t want to use chlorine bleach) is to carefully use water that is 140 degrees to flush and coat all the tank and accessory surfaces. ISDA recommends another water change within a week and to continue to monitor the tank for any unusual aquatic growth.
- For very large aquariums that you may not be able to completely dewater/decontaminate, dispose of the moss ball(s) as above. It is recommended that you do conduct frequent water changes and continue to monitor the tank for any unusual aquatic growth.
“We have always said private citizens are Idaho’s best line of defense in protecting our state from invasive species,” said Zurfluh. “Once again, we are asking for Idahoans help to keep invasive species from getting a foothold in our state.”
Anyone with questions or concerns about zebra mussels or other invasive species concerns may contact the ISDA Invasive Species Hotline at (877)336-8676 or info@isda.idaho.gov.
About the Invasive Species Program
“Many people are familiar with our Invasive Species Program’s effort to inspect boats coming to the state. However, many do not realize that the agency works year-round to monitor and respond to threats of all kinds,” said ISDA Director Celia Gould. “Today’s announcement underscores the importance of dynamic monitoring and significant collaboration.”
Zebra mussels are aquatic invasive species that establish themselves in lakes, rivers, canals, and water systems where they cause significant ecological damage as well as damage to irrigation and water distribution systems. They are not currently found in the Columbia River Basin or Idaho, where ISDA operates a significant prevention effort highlighted by watercraft inspection stations located statewide.
Quagga and zebra mussels can clog pipes and mechanical systems of industrial plants, utilities, locks, and dams. If zebra or zebra mussels were to infest Idaho’s waters, as they have done in other states, it could cost the state nearly $100 million annually in damage and lost revenue.
The ISDA’s Invasive Species Program has been in place for 13 years working to protect Idaho’s waterways and environment from invasive species. The Program works with partners across the state, nation and with neighboring countries.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2021
Media contact: Lloyd Knight
Phone: (208) 859-4173
Lloyd.knight@isda.idaho.gov
ISDA Director Congratulates State Veterinarian on Retirement and Makes New Appointment
Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould announced today the appointment of Scott Leibsle, DVM, as the new State Veterinarian following the retirement of Bill Barton, DVM.
“Dr. Barton showed his deep love of agriculture through years of service and with steadfast commitment to all Idahoans,” said Gould. “He will always have a special place within this agency and among producers. I am honored to have worked alongside Bill these many years.”
Dr. Barton worked for the ISDA for 14 years. Among his successes as State Veterinarian, Barton and his staff efficiently responded to animal disease events, supported service to a growing livestock sector, and worked on behalf of our producers to maintain a functional marketplace in Idaho and beyond.
“As sad as I am to see Dr. Barton’s departure from the agency, I am excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Scott Leibsle as State Veterinarian and administrator of the ISDA’s Animal Industries Division,” said Gould. “I am incredibly grateful to have someone with his energy, intellect and experience. Scott has my complete confidence. He will be a great fit for this important role.”
Dr. Leibsle received his veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. Leibsle worked in Idaho for the first time in 2005, when he practiced for two years at Sawtooth Equine Service in Bellevue. He then went on to become the third generation of his family to practice large animal medicine at Elkhorn Veterinary Clinic in Wisconsin. After five years of dairy and equine private practice, Leibsle moved back to Idaho in 2011 to join the ISDA as the Deputy State Veterinarian. In his most recent position, Leibsle played an active role in the oversight of Idaho’s dairy industry, coordination of animal care training for Idaho law enforcement and the development of Idaho’s livestock traceability program. Leibsle is one of only 55 veterinarians nationwide to be board certified in equine practice.
Idaho’s State Veterinarian also serves as the administrator for the ISDA’s Division of Animal Industries, which oversees livestock health, dairies and dairy processors, rangeland services and other aspects of animal-related agriculture. Dairy and beef cattle production are Idaho’s largest agricultural sectors. The two sectors make up over half of Idaho agriculture’s total farm gate receipts.
Dr. Leibsle’s appointment is effective immediately.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2021
Contact: Chanel Tewalt
Phone: (208) 332-8615
Unsolicited Seed Packages from China
July 27, 2020- The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is sharing information for Idahoans who have received unsolicited packages of seeds from China.
The ISDA has received approximately 20 calls or emails reporting these kind of packages being sent to Idahoans. Several states are reporting similar occurrences. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is aware of the issue.
Idahoans who have received unsolicited packages of seeds are asked to take several steps:
- Do not plant the seeds,
- Do not open the seed packages,
- Contact the Idaho office of USDA APHIS at (208) 373-1600,
- Retain the label and seed package,
- And, please wait for further instruction from USDA about disposal and follow-up.
Questions from the media should be directed to USDA APHIS at APHISpress@usda.gov.
ISDA Statement on Asian Giant Hornets
As of May 7, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has no confirmed reports of Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia) being found in the state. At this point in time only two specimens have ever been collected in the United States – both in northwest Washington.
Each year ISDA investigates calls concerning the observation of possible non-native bees and hornets. Some native species are surprisingly large with a color pattern similar to that of the Asian giant hornet. One local species of note is the Western Cicada Killer (Sphecius grandis), which is reported multiple times each summer.
The ISDA routinely surveys for many invasive pests around the state annually and evaluates potential sightings by the public on other species of local and national concern. We are monitoring the situation with Asian giant hornets closely. When non-native species are found, ISDA works with property owners and communities on control measures if any are appropriate and available.
ISDA also is developing a public fact sheet with more information about Asian giant hornets, including known distribution and identifying characteristics. That will be available soon.
Use extreme caution near Asian giant hornets. A person who is allergic to bee or wasp stings should never approach an Asian giant hornet. If you believe you have found an Asian giant hornet, please email info@isda.idaho.gov with information and photographs (if you can do so safely). You may be contacted by ISDA to discuss confirmation by scientific experts.
First Lady Little to Kick-Off Farm to School Month at Local School
(Boise) – First Lady Teresa Little and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) will visit the Notus School cafeteria on Tuesday to kick-off Farm to School Month. The event will highlight an all-Idaho lunch with students and will include Idaho-produced foods such as cheese, fruit, milk, vegetables and homemade Idaho potato bread.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WHEN: October 2, 2019 10:50 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. (30 minutes)
WHERE: Notus School Cafeteria, 20250 Purple Sage Road, Notus
Throughout October, schools around the state will celebrate Idaho Farm to School Month, which is part of National Farm to School Month. Farm to School is a term used to describe efforts to connect local agriculture and food with schools and students. The goal is to support healthy children, healthy schools, healthy farms, and healthy communities.
“Farm to School is a great program for Idaho’s producers, our communities and our students. This program creates important opportunities to show students where their food is coming from, and it brings agriculture into classrooms and cafeterias,” said Idaho Agriculture Director Celia Gould.
Idaho school participation in Farm to School Month will include serving locally-produced foods on menus. With assistance from the ISDA’s Idaho Preferred Program and weekly themes, schools are encouraged to serve in-season Idaho foods, such as pears, apples, potatoes, and squash. Idaho Preferred also has paired with Dairy West to provide virtual dairy tours in the classroom through video conferencing.
About Idaho Preferred®
The Idaho Preferred® program is designed to identify and promote food and agriculture products from the Gem State. Under the direction of the Idaho Department of Agriculture, Idaho Preferred® promotes the quality, diversity, and availability of the food and agriculture products we grow, raise and process in Idaho. For more information about the Farm to School program, visit www.idahopreferred.com, or contact Skylar Jett at skylar.jett@isda.idaho.gov or (208) 332-8542.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1st, 2019
Contact: Skylar Jett
Phone: 208-599-3264
Free Pesticide Disposal Schedule
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced today the fall schedule for free pesticide disposals across the state. Agricultural producers, dealers, professional applicators and homeowners will have a safe, legal and free opportunity to dispose of unusable pesticides through these scheduled events.
Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides or other products with a “cide” in the name. Unusable pesticides should be taken to a collection site between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the dates and at the locations listed below. No fertilizer, micronutrients, paint, solvents, or motor oil can be accepted at the collections.
Collections will be held at several locations:
| IDAHO FALLS | September 10, 2019 | Bonneville County Transfer Station
2455 Hemmert Ave., Idaho Falls |
| BLACKFOOT | September 11, 2019 | Eastern Idaho State Fairgrounds
97 Park St. Blackfoot |
| AMERICAN FALLS | September 12, 2019 | Power County Transfer Station
2950 Landfill Rd, American Falls |
| BURLEY | September 24, 2019 | BLM – Burley Field Office
3630 Overland Rd, Burley |
| TWIN FALLS | September 25, 2019 | Twin Falls Canal Company
357 6th Ave. West, Twin Falls |
| NAMPA | September 26, 2019 | Pickles Butte Landfill
15500 Missouri Ave, Nampa |
All collections run from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on scheduled days.
“Since 1993, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture has safely collected and disposed of over 2.3 million pounds of unusable pesticides. Pesticides become unusable for many reasons, including loss of potency, exposure to temperature extremes, cancellation or suspension by state or federal authorities, or growers’ decisions to change their cropping rotations or practices.” said Victor Mason II, Agricultural Resources Division Administrator.
ISDA asks that participants register the total number of pounds of pesticides requested for disposal by calling a local ISDA field office or the Boise office at (208) 332-8605.
For more information about the collections, please visit the ISDA website — https://agri.idaho.gov/main/56-2/pesticides/pesticide-disposal/.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ryan Ward
Phone: (208) 332-8531
Main: (208) 332-8500
Equine Infectious Anemia Confirmed In Idaho
Boise, Idaho – The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has received confirmation of equine infectious anemia (EIA) diagnosed in a horse that was transported from Washington back to its home in Canyon County in May 2019.
Most commonly transmitted by biting insects, EIA is an infectious and potentially fatal viral disease of horses. Needles and equipment contaminated with blood from an infected horse also can spread the virus to other horses. At this time, there is no vaccine available to prevent EIA. The disease does not pose a human health risk.
The Coggins test is the most commonly used laboratory analysis for the antibodies to EIA. All states require that horses have a negative Coggins test before interstate movement.
“Horse owners are strongly encouraged to incorporate an annual Coggins test into their animal health regimen regardless of whether they travel interstate,” said ISDA State Veterinarian Dr. Bill Barton. “Horses that acquire EIA are infected throughout their lives and will remain a source of infection to other horses in close proximity, so Coggins tests are incredibly important to managing the spread of EIA.”
The symptoms of a horse infected with EIA are often subtle and may go unnoticed. EIA-positive horses may develop a low-grade fever or become lethargic as well as demonstrate weight loss, yellowing of body tissues, anemia, swelling in limbs, and weakness.
Not all EIA-positive horses will show signs of illness, and these animals serve as inapparent carriers. Horses demonstrating clinical signs of EIA pose the greatest risk of spreading the virus. However, inapparent carriers can be a source of infection and pose a risk to other horses.
Idaho law has strict requirements for EIA-infected horses in the state, including isolation from other horses for the life of the animal.
For more information about EIA or updates, please visit the ISDA website: https://agri.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/animal-industries/EIA-Factsheet.pdf.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Chanel Tewalt
June 4, 2019
Phone: (208) 332-8615
First Equine West Nile Case of 2018 Confirmed
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Animal Health Laboratory has confirmed its first equine case of West Nile Virus this year. The affected horse is located in Owyhee County and is under the treatment of a veterinarian.
The most common signs of WNV in horses are fever and weakness, usually in the hindquarters which is sometimes seen as a widened stance, stumbling, leaning to one side and toe dragging. Mental conditions such as fearfulness, lip-smacking, chewing movements and fine muscle tremors may be noticed. In extreme cases of WNV infection, paralysis and inability to stand may follow.
West Nile is most commonly spread to people and horses through the bite of an infected mosquito. The public should continue to take precautions in areas with WNV-affected mosquitoes and precautions should extend to animals.
The ISDA recommends two essential protections for equines and small camelids: vaccination and physical precautions.
“The WNV vaccination remains a very important preventive measure,” said Idaho State Veterinarian Dr. Bill Barton. “Nearly 98 percent of horses that test positive for WNV have never been adequately vaccinated. Equine owners should speak with their veterinarians about the WNV vaccination as well as how to follow an annual booster schedule. Horses that have been vaccinated in previous years need boosters; a one-time vaccination is not enough.”
Physical WNV precautions include using fans and repellants to keep mosquitoes away from equines. Additionally, horse owners should remove standing water on or near their property whenever possible.
Additional information about the virus and a map of known affected counties is available from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s website, www.westnile.idaho.gov
Contact: Dr. Bill Barton
208) 332-8500
ISDA REMINDS BOATERS TO CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Invasive Species Program is reminding boaters to take precautions this holiday week to avoid transporting invasive species, such as quagga and zebra mussels.
The introduction of invasive species into Idaho could damage water use by native species, agriculture, utilities, and municipalities. If quagga or zebra mussels were to infest Idaho’s waters, as they have done in other states, it could cost the state nearly $100 million annually in damage and lost revenue.
Watercraft owners can reduce the risk of spreading invasive species by using three simple but effective strategies:
- CLEAN watercraft and equipment before leaving any waterbody. Inspect and clean watercraft, anchors, planes, trailers, waders, shoes, life jackets and scuba gear for visible plants and animals. Remove and dispose of material on-site in a trash receptacle or on high, dry ground where there is no danger of it washing into a waterbody.
- DRAIN water from all equipment, including motors, live wells, sea strainers, wakeboard ballast tanks, boat hulls, scuba gear, bait buckets, waders, and boots. Pull the boat’s bilge plug and allow water to drain.
- DRY all vessel compartments and lay equipment out to dry before using in a different waterbody or watershed.
“ISDA’s inspection program has been working for a decade to prevent invasive aquatic mussels from entering Idaho,” said ISDA Director Celia Gould. “However, private citizens remain our first – and best – line of defense. We see that the more educated the public is about the threat we face, the more they care and work to prevent moving invasive species.”
In 2017, the ISDA program performed over 93,000 watercraft inspections and intercepted 31 mussel-fouled watercraft. To date in 2018, ISDA inspectors have performed more than 41,000 inspections and intercepted 36 mussel-fouled watercraft.
The ISDA operates 20 inspection stations and three roving stations. Last year, the invasive species program also operated a pilot program near Cotterell for the first 24-hour inspection station. Utilizing data from that pilot station, the ISDA has continued operating the 24-hour Cotterell inspection station and has increased operations to 18 hours per day for other stations located near Cedars, Jackpot, and Malad.
The ISDA reminds boaters and recreationists to prepare to have boats and equipment inspected at check stations. All boaters must stop for mandatory inspection when traveling past an Idaho watercraft station during operating hours. Boat owners are encouraged to participate in the inspection process to learn ways to keep watercraft cleaned, drained and dry. Before launching on Idaho waters, all watercraft must have a current invasive species sticker, which is sold by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
The ISDA also operates a hotline at (877) 336-8676 for anyone needing information or a free decontamination wash for watercraft that may have been in mussel-infested waters. More information on the operation and location of inspection stations is available on the ISDA website: http://invasivespecies.idaho.gov/watercraft-inspection-stations/.
Idaho has invested significant funding and energy into preventing the spread of devastating invasive species to Idaho. There is no one solution to a potential problem of this magnitude, though, and Idahoans’ ability to stay vigilant is our best defense.
Contact: Nic Zurfluh
(208) 332-8686
Seventeen Projects Included in Idaho’s Application for Specialty Crop Grant Funding
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) selected 17 specialty crop projects for the 2018 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program application. The 17 projects totaled over $1.8 million. Since 2009, ISDA has funded more than 120 projects totaling $11 million.
This year, the ISDA received requests for nearly $2.4 million. A panel of industry representatives with experience in agriculture, business management, and science reviewed and scored all applications, providing input to ISDA for the final selection. The projects selected for funding included research as well as marketing and promotion activities for commodities such as potatoes, apples, wine, onions, cherries, nursery stock, tree nuts, peas and beans.
The ISDA’s State Plan has been submitted to USDA. Final approval is expected from USDA by September 2018.
Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops. Eligible projects are required to benefit more than one organization and solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Many projects focus on increasing crop sustainability, disease control, and marketing and promotion.
Questions about the grant program may be directed to Laura Johnson at laura.johnson@isda.idaho.gov or (208)332-8535.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura Johnson
Phone: (208) 332-8535