Features,
Animals
for Adoption,
Out
and About, Calendar Travel
News Elsewhere (fresh daily
from the Web) Home and
Garden News Elsewhere (fresh
daily from the Web)
|
Features
|
Preparing for holiday
cooking
|
|
Check turkey cooking times
[NOV.
22, 2002]
A few years ago, the Food
Safety and Inspection Service, an agency with the United States
Department of Agriculture, released new cooking times for turkey.
According to Jananne Finck, nutrition and wellness educator with the
University of Illinois Extension in Springfield, turkey is cooking
faster than the old USDA cooking charts recommended. If you follow
those older charts, chances are your turkey will be ready sooner
than you might expect.
|
The best way to test for doneness is to
use a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the thermometer
reaches a minimum of 180 F when placed in the innermost part of the
thigh. Be careful to insert in the fleshy part of the bird and avoid
touching a bone.
If the turkey has a "pop-up"
temperature indicator, it is also recommended that a food
thermometer be used to test in several places, including the
innermost part of the thigh and the center of the stuffing, if the
bird is stuffed.
Temperature recommended for roasting
whole turkey is 325 F. Preheating the oven is not necessary. Place
the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan before baking.
Cooking time for an unstuffed bird
weighing 8 to 12 pounds is 2 3/4 to 3 hours. Times for an unstuffed
12- to 14-pound turkey is 3 to 3 3/4 hours. For an unstuffed bird 14
to 18 pounds, roast 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours. An 18- to 20-pound turkey
needs 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours. Turkeys weighing 20 to 24 pounds are
estimated to take 4 1/2 to 5 hours.
![](../images/ads/Christmas/MKS2002.gif)
[to top of second column in this
article] |
![](../images/ads/logan_cty_health_dpt/Smoke09.gif)
For stuffed turkeys, the times are
longer. Turkeys weighing 8 to 12 pounds require 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
For a stuffed turkey weighing 12 to 14 pounds, roast 3 1/2 to 4
hours. For a stuffed bird weighing 14 to 18 pounds, roast 4 to 4 1/4
hours.
When cooking only a turkey breast, the
internal temperature should reach 170 F. Use a food thermometer to
check that stuffing has reached 165 F.
For more
information on cooking turkeys, contact your local University of
Illinois Extension office or visit
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/
pubs/consumerpubs.htm.
[U
of I Extension news
release]
|
|
Low-fat stuffing for
Thanksgiving
[NOV.
22, 2002]
If lowering fat is a concern
for those wanting to serve traditional Thanksgiving foods, consider
preparing a low-fat stuffing this November. According to Jananne
Finck, nutrition and wellness educator with the University of
Illinois Extension in Springfield, standard stuffing can be high in
fat, sodium and calories.
|
The United States Department of
Agriculture has developed a healthier version of stuffing that saves
calories, fat grams and sodium. By cutting added fat, baking
separately from the bird and using spices to compensate for the
low-cal chicken broth, you can have a healthy holiday stuffing.
The stuffing recipe given may be
doubled for a larger crowd.
Savvy
stuffing
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon margarine
8 cups soft bread cubes
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon thyme leaves
3/4 cup chicken broth, low-sodium or
no-added-salt
![](../images/ads/Key%20Printing/key.gif)
[to top of second column in this
article] |
![](../images/ads/ALMH/xmastwilight.gif)
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cook onions and celery in margarine
until tender. Remove from heat.
3. Mix in bread cubes, seasonings and
broth.
4. Place in greased 8-by-8-inch baking
dish.
5. Cover and bake one hour.
Yield: nine servings, about one-half
cup each
Nutrient analysis per serving: 108
calories, 3 grams fat, 3 grams protein, 18 grams carbohydrate, 1
gram saturated fat, 2 milligrams cholesterol and 208 milligrams
sodium
Exchanges:
one
bread-starch, one-half vegetable, one-half fat
[U
of I Extension news
release]
|
|
Crowd-pleasing pumpkin pie
[NOV.
22, 2002]
Pumpkin pie is a
Thanksgiving holiday favorite with many American families. According
to Jananne Finck, nutrition and wellness educator with University of
Illinois Extension in Springfield, this holiday tradition may be
altered to save calories and fat.
|
This crowd-pleasing pumpkin pie recipe
has a savings of calories, fat grams and milligrams of cholesterol.
There’s less fat in the crust and less sugar in the filling to make
it a lower-calorie treat. Evaporated skim milk and two egg whites
substitute for whole milk and one egg to reduce calories and fat
even more.
If two tablespoons of light whipped
topping is served, this will add about five calories and 1 gram of
fat per serving.
Pumpkin
pie
Pastry
for 9-inch pie:
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup margarine
2 tablespoons water
Filling
for 9-inch pie:
16 ounces pumpkin
12 fluid ounces evaporated skim milk
1 large egg, beaten
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
![](../images/ads/LDN/LCBDsmall.gif)
[to top of second column in this
article] |
![](../images/ads/misc%20ads/brandts.gif)
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Mix flour and salt. Mix in margarine
until dough forms pea-sized balls.
3. Add water; mix until just moistened.
Roll out dough on lightly floured surface. Line 9-inch pie pan with
pastry.
4. Mix filling ingredients well; pour
into shell.
5. Bake one hour or until knife put in
center comes out clean.
Yield: one 9-inch pie, nine servings
Nutrient analysis per serving: 210
calories, 7 grams protein, 33 grams carbohydrate, 6 grams fat, 1
gram saturated fat, 25 milligram cholesterol, 381 milligram sodium
Exchanges: 1
1/2 bread-starch, one-half milk, one fat.
[U
of I Extension news
release]
|
|
Low-fat turkey talk
[NOV.
22, 2002]
Yes, the holiday bird can be
a tasty low-fat entree for many to enjoy. According to Jananne Finck,
nutrition and wellness educator with University of Illinois
Extension in Springfield, the United States Department of
Agriculture forwards the following hints to lower the fat in turkey:
|
• Pre-basted turkeys are
high in fat. Buy a regular bird, if possible.
• Baste with broth instead
of greasy drippings.
• To keep turkey fat out
of the dressing, bake it separately in a lightly greased pan.
•
Eat less skin. Three ounces of light
turkey meat with skin have 7 grams of fat; without skin, 3 grams of
fat. Three ounces of dark meat with and without skin have 10 and 6
grams of fat.
[U
of I Extension news
release] |
![](../images/ads/CCAonline/CCA_small.gif)
|
|
Let’s talk turkey -- safe
turkey
[NOV.
1, 2002]
|
Food
thermometer essential
Cooking a stuffed turkey is riskier
than cooking one not stuffed. Harmful bacteria can survive in
stuffing that has not reached the safe temperature of 165 F,
possibly resulting in foodborne illness. Therefore, it is essential
that you always use a food thermometer to check the temperature of
the stuffing. For safety and uniform doneness, cook stuffing
separately in a casserole.
Preparing
stuffing safely
The ingredients for the stuffing can be
prepared ahead of time. Keep wet and dry ingredients separated;
chill. Mix wet and dry ingredients just before putting stuffing into
a casserole or filling the turkey cavity. The stuffing should be
moist, not dry, since heat destroys bacteria more rapidly in a moist
environment.
Cooking
stuffing safely
The safest way to cook stuffing is in a
casserole in a 325 degree oven. The internal temperature of the
stuffing must reach 165. If you choose to stuff your turkey, make
sure it is stuffed loosely. Cook the turkey immediately after
stuffing. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature in the
innermost part of the thigh and in the center of the stuffing. Even
if the innermost part of the thigh has reached a safe internal
temperature of 180, the center of the stuffing inside the turkey may
not have reached 165 and can cause foodborne illness. Continue to
cook the stuffed turkey until the stuffing has reached 165.
[to top of
second column in this article]
|
Standing
time
For quality, you may choose to let the
turkey stand for 20 minutes to let juices set. If your turkey is
stuffed, the temperature of the stuffing will also continue to rise
during this time. Remove all the stuffing from the turkey
immediately after standing time.
Handling
leftovers safely
Refrigerate stuffing in shallow
containers. Use leftover stuffing within one to two days for best
quality.
A word
about buying stuffed turkeys
Buying stuffed turkeys without the USDA
or state mark of inspection is not recommended. Turkeys purchased
stuffed and frozen that have the USDA or state mark of inspection on
the packaging are safe because they have been processed under
controlled conditions. These turkeys should not be thawed before
cooking. Follow package directions for handling.
For
further information
Meat and poultry hot line:
1 (800) 535-4555, toll-free nationwide
1 (800) 256-7072, TTY
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
site:
www.fsis.usda.gov
[USDA "Food Safety Facts"
provided by the Logan County Health Department] |
|
Animals
for Adoption
|
At Logan County Animal Control —
|
DOGS
Big to
little, most of these dogs will make wonderful lifelong companions when
you take them home and provide solid, steady training, grooming and
general care. Get educated about what you choose. If you give them
the time and care they need, you will be rewarded with much more
than you gave them. They are entertaining, fun, comforting, and will
lift you up for days on end.
Be prepared to take the necessary time when you bring home a
puppy, kitten, dog, cat or any other pet, and you will be blessed.
[Logan
County Animal Control is thankful for pet supplies donated by
individuals and Wal-Mart.]
|
Warden
Sheila Farmer and her assistant, Polly Farmer,
look forward
to assisting you.
|
![](../images/062902pics/3animal.jpg)
[A friendly-faced 2-year-old male mixed Lab is seeking his
human soul mate.
He's not fixed, and he's good with other dogs.] |
![](../images/062902pics/4animal.jpg)
[A purebred Doberman with a sweet disposition, this handsome
1½-year-old male is good with children and other
dogs. His ears are cropped; he is not fixed.] |
![](../images/062902pics/r5animal.jpg)
[Yes, I have a purple tongue!
That's because I'm a black Labrador and chow chow mix. I'm
male and just 1 year old. I'm not fixed, and I would make a
great farm dog.] |
![](../images/062902pics/2animal.jpg)
[Glory is looking for a quiet home where she
can get some TLC. She likes kids. An American bulldog, she is
7 years old and has not been fixed.] |
|
Ten reasons to adopt a
shelter dog
1.
I'll bring out your
playful side!
2.
I'll lend an ear to
your troubles.
3.
I'll keep you
fit and trim.
4.
We'll look out for each other.
5.
We'll sniff
out fun together!
6.
I'll keep you
right on schedule.
7.
I'll love you
with all my heart.
8.
We'll have a
tail-waggin' good time!
9.
We'll snuggle
on a quiet evening.
10.
We'll be
best friends always.
|
|
CATS
|
[Logan
County Animal Control is thankful for pet supplies donated by
individuals and Wal-Mart.] |
Warden
Sheila Farmer and her assistant, Polly Farmer, look forward
to assisting you. |
In
the cat section there are a number of wonderful cats to
choose from
in a variety of colors and sizes.
Farm
cats available for free!
|
![](../images/062902pics/1animal.jpg)
[This lovely lady with green eyes is Bailey. She is 3
years old and has been spayed and declawed. She would love a
new home full of love.] |
![](../images/062902pics/6animal.jpg)
[This soft-faced 1-year-old male kitty needs a cat lover's
care. He has not been fixed but has been declawed.] |
|
These animals and
more are available to good homes from the Logan County Animal
Control at 1515 N. Kickapoo, phone 735-3232.
Fees for animal
adoption: dogs, $60/male, $65/female; cats, $35/male, $44/female.
The fees include neutering and spaying.
Logan County Animal
Control's hours of operation:
Sunday
– closed
Monday –
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday –
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday –
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday –
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday –
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday –
closed
Warden: Sheila Farmer
Assistant: Polly Farmer
In-house veterinarian: Dr. Lester Thomson
|
|
|
![](../images/frontpage/out_about_section_header2.jpg) |
From
the Department of Natural Resources
Illinois happenings
[NOV.
16, 2002]
Here's what's going on in the world of the outdoors in
central Illinois:
|
The 116th meeting of the Illinois
Endangered Species Protection Board was on Nov. 15 at the James R.
Thompson Center in Chicago. The board determines what species are
threatened or endangered in the state and advises the Department of
Natural Resources on the means of conserving them. The board, which
meets quarterly, revises the list of protected species every five
years and completed its most recent revisions in 1999. For more
information, contact the board at (217) 785-8687.
* * *
Here’s what’s happening at Dickson
Mounds Museum:
"John James Audubon: The Birds of
America," a special exhibit of 29 original Audubon prints, almost
all of which depict birds native to Illinois, runs Nov. 16 through
March 9. Included will be several taxidermy mounts of native birds
from the collections of the Illinois State Museum. In conjunction
with the exhibit, the museum has scheduled a series of presentations
about the habits and habitats of a wide range of Illinois birds, as
well as the efforts to conserve and protect some species. For more
information on this series, contact the museum at (309) 547-3721.
The special exhibit of Audubon prints
opens with a weekend Holiday Showcase on Nov. 16-17 (8:30 a.m.-5
p.m.) featuring a number of wildlife artists from the Illinois
Artisan’s Program demonstrating their work. During this special
weekend the Museum Gift Shop will be offering a 20 percent discount
on all gift items, including publications. At 2 p.m. Sunday there
will be a performance by storyteller Brian Fox Ellis on "The Life
and Times of John James Audubon."
![](../images/ads/Christmas/MKS2002.gif)
* * *
November 17-23 is National Hunger
Awareness Week. According to Time magazine, more than 33 million
Americans suffer from hunger or cannot afford three complete meals a
day. That number includes 13 million children. The Illinois
Department of Natural Resources is participating in this nationwide
anti-hunger campaign through the Illinois Sportsman Against Hunger
Program’s One Million Meals Crusade.
Deer hunters and those Illinoisans
interested in helping feed the hungry are asked to support the
initiative this fall and winter by donating harvested deer and by
making financial contributions to the program to help defray the
cost of processing deer meat donated to local food banks, food
pantries and charities. Hunters have donated more than 111,000
pounds of deer meat to the program since 1994, providing more than
526,000 meals.
Anyone making a tax deductible donation
to the One Million Meals Crusade through Dec. 31 will be eligible
for a special drawing for a Realtree camouflage muzzleloading
shotgun donated by Knight Rifles of Centerville, Iowa, or a pair of
8x40 wide-angle sport binoculars donated by Alpen Outdoor
Corporation of Rancho Cucamongo, Calif.
Donations of meat are accepted from
Oct. 1, the opening of the archery deer season, through the end of
the handgun deer season on Jan. 19.
Financial contributions to the Illinois
Sportsmen Against Hunger One Million Meals Crusade may be made to
the Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way,
Springfield, IL 62702-1271. Funds donated are tax-exempt to the
fullest extent of the law since the foundation is an IRS 501 (c)(3)
approved organization.
Sportsmen may call (217) 782-4963 for
information on meat processors and local food pantries participating
in the Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger program.
* * *
The Illinois Sportsmen Against Hunger
program welcomes another meat processor to the effort to feed hungry
Illinoisans this fall and winter. Mike Pearse’s Solo Deer
Processing, 201 Main St., in Kane (Greene County) joined the program
recently. The phone number for Solo Deer Processing is (217)
942-6506.
![](../images/ads/ALMH/xmastwilight.gif)
* * *
The special firearm deer hunting
seasons at Matthiessen State Park and Starved Rock State Park on
Monday, Nov. 18, through Thursday, Nov. 21, and on Monday, Dec. 2,
through Wednesday, Dec. 4, will result in access restrictions at the
parks. During both special hunt seasons, Matthiessen State Park will
be closed. At Starved Rock State Park, the west entrance from
Illinois Route 178, the campground, the public boat launch and a
majority of park trails will be closed. The Starved Rock State Park
Lodge, visitor center, park office and riverside main parking lot,
and part of the park picnic area and trails surrounding the visitor
center will remain open. Access to Starved Rock State Park will be
from the south entrance off Illinois Route 71.
* * *
Reminder: Castle Rock State Park will
be closed to public use on Nov. 22, 23 and 24, Dec. 5, 6, 7 and 8,
and Dec. 13, 14 and 15, due to the firearm deer reduction hunting
program. Please call (815) 732-7329 for more information.
* * *
Reminder: The McHenry County firearm
deer hunting check station will be moving. Due to hunters’ requests
for a more central location, successful hunters will no longer be
checking their deer at Moraine Hills State Park. The new location is
Sportsmen Choice, 11820 Catalpa Lane, Woodstock.
* * *
For information about laws for Illinois
landowners and sportsmen, go to
http://dnr.state.il.us/Law3/laws4landowners.htm.
* * *
For information about deer hunting
seasons and regulations, go to
http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems/index.htm.
* * *
Special events are upcoming through the
Disabled Outdoors Program. For information on the program or to find
out what is going on in your area, visit
http://dnr.state.il.us/doo/index.htm or call Jay Williams at
(618) 439-9111.
* * *
The Illinois State Museum will offer
five sessions of "Documenting Your Collection with a Computer," a
workshop on using a personal computer to document collections and
manage the information associated with collections objects.
All sessions of the workshop are
identical, and participants need attend only one session. Workshops
are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23. All
workshops will be conducted at the museum’s Research and Collections
Center, 1011 East Ash St., Springfield.
The workshop will cover the following
topics: best practices for record keeping, taking identification
photographs with a digital camera, scanning collections of printed
matter, and using collection management software to build a database
of information. All necessary equipment and materials will be
provided by the museum. Participants are encouraged to bring a few
sample items from their collection to work with during the
workshop.
Fee for the workshop is $15 for members
of the Illinois State Museum Society and $20 for nonmembers.
Enrollment is limited, and preregistration is required. Contact
Brian Bisbee at (217) 557-6093.
* * *
![](../images/ads/LDN/We'llspreadtheword.jpg)
[to top of
second column in this article]
|
![](../images/ads/Lepc/lepc3.gif)
The Illinois State Museum and the
Basket Art Guild of Springfield will offer a holiday basket-making
workshop for families on Saturday, Nov. 23. The workshop will be at
the museum, Second and Edwards streets in Springfield. Families
(children ages 8-14 and adults) are invited to join the museum for
some holiday handcrafting fun. Participants will learn together how
to create a woven angel ornament. Instructions and all materials
will be provided by the Springfield Basket Art Guild.
Spaces are available in both the
morning and afternoon sessions, 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. The
workshop cost is $5 for member of the museum society and $7 for
nonmembers. Each session is limited to 15 participants. Advance
registration is required; call Jennifer Kuehner, (217) 782-5993.
* * *
Tor Faegre, a twig furniture artisan
from Evanston will show his work as a special feature in the
Illinois Artisans Shop at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W.
Randolph St., Suite 2-200, Chicago, through Nov. 29. Faegre has his
own unique style of twig furniture and sculpture, using twigs and
branches in combination with hardwood boards to make chairs, tables,
mirrors and lamps. He also uses recycled materials such as scrap
metal and pallet wood along with logs and branches to construct
outdoor sculptures. For more information, contact the shop at (312)
814-1794.
* * *
Reminder: The Region 2 office of the
Department of Natural Resources is moving from its current location
in Spring Grove to a new office at Tri-County State Park in
Bartlett. The new address is Illinois Department of Natural
Resources, Region 2 Office, 2050 West Stearns Road, Bartlett, IL
60103. The phone number is (847) 608-3100. Please make a note of the
change. The new office and phone number are effective Dec. 1.
![](../images/ads/misc%20ads/brandts.gif)
* * *
It’s time to register for the second
annual Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt, scheduled for Dec. 26-27.
Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and
Tri-County Ducks and Geese Forever, the youth goose hunt will be at
private waterfowl hunting clubs in the Peoria and Canton areas.
Participation will be limited. Youth
hunters will be selected by a lottery from all interested youth who
have phoned in to register by Friday, Dec. 6. The lottery drawing
will be on Monday, Dec. 9, and youth hunters selected will be
notified by mail.
The hunt is open to youngsters ages
10-15 at the time of the hunt. Those who have never participated in
an IDNR youth hunt or who have no previous waterfowl hunting
experience will be given first priority.
All applicants must have successfully
completed a hunter safety education course, possess a valid Illinois
hunting or sportsman’s license, have a Harvest Information Program
registration number and have a 20-gauge or larger shotgun. Youth
hunt participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who
must possess a valid firearm owner’s identification card. Adults
will not be allowed to hunt.
To register for the hunt or for more
information, call (217) 785-8955 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on
weekdays.
Raffle tickets are available to support
the Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt, as well as youth waterfowl
hunts throughout the state. Only 500 tickets will be sold at $10
each to benefit the youth hunts. Prizes available include a
Winchester Super X2 shotgun, a lifetime hunting license, which is
transferable, and six Bigfoot Goose decoys. Winners will be drawn at
the hunt on Dec. 27 but need not be present to win. For ticket
information, contact Tom Munroe at (217) 524-5861.
(Note: The Central Illinois Youth Goose
Hunt will be Dec. 26-27 unless the central zone Canada goose season
closes early due to the quota being reached. The Canada goose season
in the central zone is scheduled to close Jan. 31).
* * *
Reminder: The deadline for the
submission of applications for special fund grant programs
administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
has been extended. The department will accept applications for
grants from the Illinois Habitat Fund, State Pheasant Fund and the
Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Fund through Dec. 31. At this time
applications for the State Furbearer Fund are not being accepted.
Habitat and Pheasant Funds can be
awarded for habitat projects that propose the protection,
acquisition, development or enhancement of habitat management areas;
for research projects that address current concerns related to
wildlife habitat or contribute to knowledge about the ecology and
management of Illinois’ wildlife; or for education projects that
target members of the general public who do not hunt or trap.
Migratory Waterfowl Stamp Funds are for acquisition and development
projects for protecting waterfowl and improving public migratory
waterfowl areas within the state; for the development of waterfowl
propagation areas within the Dominion of Canada or the United States
that specifically provide waterfowl for the Mississippi Flyway; and
for implementation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.
Applications and additional information are available from the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Resource
Conservation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271;
phone (217) 782-2602; or on the DNR’s website at
http://dnr.state.il.us/grants/index.htm. The department’s
address for e-mail is:
specialfunds@dnrmail.state.il.us.
![](../images/ads/logan_cty_health_dpt/smokefreemain2.gif)
* * *
Proposed changes to Department of
Natural Resources administrative rules are now open for public
comment. Details of those changes are available at
http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/rule-status.htm.
Among the rules are the following:
Wildlife Conservation Measures and Practices (17 Ill. Adm. Code
635), for which the deadline to comment is Nov. 10; and Muskrat,
Mink, Raccoon, Opossum, Striped Skunk, Weasel, Red Fox, Gray Fox,
Coyote, Badger, Beaver and Woodchuck (Groundhog) Trapping (17 Ill.
Adm. Code 570), for which the deadline to comment is Nov. 25.
Comments regarding these rules should be sent to the Legal Office of
the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, One Natural Resources
Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1272.
A response regarding changes in the
nuisance wildlife control permit rule can also be found on the
website.
[Illinois Department of
Natural Resources
press release] |
|
Positive CWD case
found in Illinois
[NOV.
12, 2002]
SPRINGFIELD — Chronic wasting disease
has been detected in a sample from a wild deer near Roscoe in
Winnebago County, the Department of Natural Resources announced
recently. The disease is not known to be contagious to livestock or
humans.
|
The young female deer was shot by a
landowner in late October because he believed it was ill.
Conservation police officers from the Department of Natural
Resources were contacted and collected the doe for testing at the
Illinois Department of Agriculture laboratory in Centralia. A
follow-up test conducted Nov. 1 at the National Veterinary Services
Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, confirmed the diagnosis.
Chronic wasting disease is a fatal
neurological disease found in deer and elk. The disease affects the
brains of infected animals, causing them to become emaciated,
display abnormal behavior, lose coordination and eventually die.
CWD has been diagnosed in wild,
free-ranging deer and elk as well as in captive animals in a number
of western states and was found earlier this year in Wisconsin and
Minnesota.
"This is the first positive for CWD from any deer or elk in
Illinois, though we’ve been monitoring and testing for the disease
for the past five years," said IDNR Director Brent Manning.
"Illinois expanded its surveillance efforts earlier this year and
created a joint task force with the Departments of Natural Resources
and Agriculture following the CWD outbreak in southern Wisconsin."
"The detection of CWD in Winnebago
County is disappointing," Manning said. "We are committed to a
long-term plan of stepped up surveillance and monitoring and to
taking all steps biologically appropriate to control the spread of
chronic wasting disease in Illinois. Deer hunters and those who
value the health of wildlife and outdoor recreation in Illinois will
continue to play an important role in that process."
Extensive testing for the disease is
planned during Illinois’ firearm deer season, which begins Friday,
Nov. 22. About 3,500 samples in 36 counties from hunter-harvested
deer around Illinois will be collected and tested. Larger numbers of
samples from hunter-harvested deer are being collected in northern
Illinois. Additional samples also are being taken from deer control
programs in northeastern Illinois where firearm deer hunting is not
allowed.
Counties tentatively to be sampled for
CWD during the 2002 firearm deer hunting season include Jo Daviess,
Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Carroll, Ogle, DeKalb,
Whiteside, Rock Island, Bureau, LaSalle, Hancock, Adams, Pike,
Fulton, McLean, Vermilion, Sangamon, Macoupin, Shelby, Fayette,
Effingham, Clark, Lawrence, Madison, St. Clair, Clinton, Washington,
Randolph, Jefferson, Marion,Williamson, Union, Johnson and Pope.
Counties were selected based on a variety of factors including
geographic location, size of deer population and the number of
facilities with captive deer or elk.
[to top of
second column in this article]
|
"Once we get test results back from our
expanded surveillance efforts, the task force will be able to
evaluate the extent of the disease in Illinois and the necessary
steps to control the disease," Manning said.
A task force comprised of key staff
from both agencies has been working for months to develop plans to
address surveillance of wild deer and captive herds, import and
export of deer and elk, and a planned response to a potential
chronic wasting disease outbreak in Illinois.
The importation of hunter-harvested
deer and elk is being limited, the importation of live animals has
been restricted, and the feeding of wild deer has been banned.
A DNR rule bans the importation of
hunter-harvested deer and elk carcasses into Illinois, except for
deboned meat, antlers, antlers attached to skull caps, hides, upper
canine teeth and finished taxidermist mounts. Skull caps must be
cleaned of all brain and muscle tissue. This action prevents hunters
from bringing potentially diseased animals into Illinois and
discarding their parts in a manner that could result in
contamination of Illinois’ deer herd.
The department has banned the feeding
of wild deer and other wildlife in areas where wild deer are
present. The ban includes food, salt, mineral blocks and other food
products, with some exceptions. For example, bird and squirrel
feeders close to homes and incidental feeding of wildlife within
active livestock operations are exempt from the ban. For a complete
list of the exemptions, see Section 635.40 at
http://dnr.state.il.us/legal/635-emergency.htm on the
department’s website.
The department has also implemented
regulations to minimize the threat of chronic wasting disease
entering Illinois through the interstate transportation of captive
deer and elk and to monitor captive herds already in Illinois. DNR
shares responsibility with the Department of Agriculture in
regulating captive deer and elk on game farms. DNR’s new rule
complements new regulations being adopted by the Agriculture
Department for diseased animals.
For updated
information about chronic wasting disease, including answers to
frequently asked questions and the department’s rules, see
http://dnr.state.il.us/pubaffairs/2002/CWD.htm.
[Illinois Department of
Natural Resources
press release] |
Back
to top |
News
| Sports
| Business
| Rural
Review |
Teaching
& Learning |
Home
and Family |
Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives |
Law
& Courts |
Leisure Time |
Spiritual
Life | Health
& Fitness |
Calendar
Letters
to the Editor
|
|