MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Michigan dog owners are being encouraged to watch their pets closely as a mysterious respiratory illness spreads among dogs in several other states.

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species recently seen in Oakland County, and Michigan officials want anyone who sees one to squish it.

Now is the prime time to be on the lookout for the invasive spotted lanternfly! Late summer to early fall is the most likely season to spot the colorful planthoppers

Authorities said both horses were unvaccinated against their respective diseases.

Last year, Michigan confirmed the state’s first detection of the invasive spotted lanternfly after a small population was found in Oakland County.

Washtenaw County is now the seventh Michigan county to confirm an infestation of invasive woolly adelgid, which are insects that feed on tree sap and can kill eastern hemlock trees.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has announced grants for county fairs to improve buildings across the state.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has released a statement about a 6-month-old unvaccinated kitten in Oakland County that was infested with rabies.

A judge has declined to dismiss the case against a western Michigan restaurant owner who was jailed and fined $15,000 for violating state orders that banned indoor dining during the pandemic.

The owner of a Michigan farm accused of using raw, untreated human waste on fields of produce, which triggered a widespread consumer alert, says the incident was an “oversight.”

Several locations in Washtenaw County sold produce grown by Kuntry Gardens in Homer, Michigan that may have been contaminated with human waste.

Breaking down some of the foods Michigan is known for producing, and just how much it actually produces.

Some of the tests from sick dogs in Northern Michigan have come back positive for canine parvovirus, a highly contagious virus that can affect all dogs.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that three local health departments and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are investigating the increase of E. coli cases.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday that three local health departments and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are investigating the increase of E. coli cases.

Michigan has confirmed the state’s first detection of the invasive spotted lanternfly after a small population was found in Oakland County.

Michigan has confirmed the state’s first detection of the invasive spotted lanternfly after a small population was found in Oakland County.

Michigan officials want residents to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that threatens agriculture and natural resources.

Michigan officials want residents to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that threatens agriculture and natural resources.

Local 4Casters are tracking dangerous heat that may break records in Metro Detroit. It could feel like it’s above 100 degrees on Wednesday (June 15).

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) wants gardeners to be on the lookout for invasive plants, pests and diseases when they head to their local greenhouse or nursery this summer.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources recommends that bird lovers temporarily remove their bird feeders.

Cases of bird flu have now been detected in five Michigan counties, including Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston.

HPAI continues to spread within Washtenaw County bird populations and around Michigan.

With confirmed bird flu cases growing in Michigan, officials are suggesting residents limit their backyard bird feeders this year to reduce contact with wild birds.

A highly contagious bird flu (avian influenza) has been identified in Michigan’s wild bird population, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

A highly contagious bird flu (avian influenza) has been identified in Michigan’s wild bird population, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

Michigan’s attorney general is taking action against a Detroit marketplace on accusations that it has sold mislabeled products, demonstrated unsafe food production practices and ignored a cease-and-desist order, she said.

The Ann Arbor animal shelter, at 3100 Cherry Hill Rd., reported that almost 6,000 animals passed through its doors.

The bacteria was found during proactive, routine sampling in November. Because the mushrooms have a long shelf-life, MDARD said they could still be in consumer kitchens.

Michigan officials are asking residents to be on the lookout for an invasive species that hasn’t been detected in the state yet, but poses a threat to Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources.

An invasive bug that could threaten Michigan’s Christmas tree industry has been discovered in the western part of the state.

Officials said the 6-month-old dog had never been vaccinated against rabies. The last rabid dog in the state occurred 10 years ago in Oakland County.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development issued an order to stop use of Bamboo brand hand sanitizers. LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) issued a Stop-Use and Stop-Removal order for Bamboo Moisturizing brand hand sanitizer, citing that the product does not meet the labeled alcohol content. “Hand sanitizers have become one of the critical tools for preventing COVID-19. The department’s Weights and Measures section is conducting additional sampling of various hand sanitizers to ensure they meet the minimum criteria. View the Stop-Use and Stop-Removal order below

LANSING, Mich. – Officials are reminding Michigan residents that they shouldn’t panic buy products like toilet paper, paper towel and other items. “Michigan has an ample supply of food products and other items. But, when shoppers panic buy products like toilet paper, paper towel and other items, it creates a ripple effect within the supply chain,” said McDowell. Consumers should plan for essentials in weekly increments to ensure that supply levels remain steady over the next few weeks. READ: Metro Detroit grocery stores face second wave of supply demand amid COVID-19 pandemic

LANSING, Mich. – Dead spotted lanternfly insects were found in Michigan in recent weeks, according to The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). MDARD is asking freight carriers, warehouse workers and delivery drivers to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly. Officials said there is no evidence of an established population of the spotted lanternfly in Michigan. The spotted lanternfly sucks sap from host plants and secrets large amounts of a sugar-rich, sticky liquid called honeydew. People involved in transporting and handling goods or freight should become familiar with identifying spotted lanternfly adults and egg masses.

Michigan residents are being urged not to consume a brand of romaine lettuce sold at Walmart stores after it tested positive for E. coli. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) warns Michigan consumers that single heads of romaine lettuce sold by the brand Tanimura & Antle have tested positive for a strain of E. coli. Anyone who purchased the product, sold at Walmart stores, is urged to throw it away or return it at the point of purchase for a full refund. The lettuce heads were sold in a zip-top clear plastic bag with a blue label and white lettering, officials said. Symptoms of an E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting and sometimes a fever.

CALHOUN COUNTY, Mich. – An invasive mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) has been found at Albion College’s Whitehouse Nature Center in Calhoun County, officials said. What is mile-a-minute weed? Mile-a-minute weed is an annual vine that can grow up to 6 inches per day, or 25 feet in 6 to 8 weeks. Mile-a-minute weed infestations have been reported in 15 states across the United States. While mine-a-minute weed can be removed by hand, seeds can persist in the soil for up to six years.

LANSING, Mich. – Steps are being taken to protect Michigan’s pine trees from the mountain pine beetle. The mountain pine beetle is a destructive forest pest in North America. READ: More invasive species coverageWhat is a mountain pine beetle? Mountain pine beetles is an insect native to the forests of western North America and is also known as the Black Hills beetle or the Rocky Mountain pine beetle. Michigan’s pine resources are at risk of attack by MPB, including white pine, jack pine, red pine, Austrian pine, and Scots pine.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials want to remind schools and businesses to only use EPA-approved disinfectants. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) said that the products that meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) criteria for use against the virus that cause coronavirus (COVID-19) are listed here. “Disinfecting is a critical step in preventing and reducing the spread of viruses, bacteria, including SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19,” said Brian Verhougstraete, MDARD’s Pesticide Section Manager. “Always remember that you are required by state and federal law to follow the label when using disinfectants. This includes safe use of the disinfectant, the types of approved surfaces an adhering to the contact time, which is the amount of time the surface should be visibly wet.”MDARD reminds school districts to:Use EPA-registered disinfectants and follow all label directionsDo not use disinfectant as hand wipes or in place of sanitizersKeep out of reach of students, children should not use disinfectantsAvoid touching wet surfaces and always wash hands after useKeep the surface wet for the required contact timeKeep lids tightly closed and out of reach from children when not in useREAD: More COVID-19 coverage

California-based Thomason International Inc. voluntarily recalled its red, yellow, white and sweet yellow onions for possible risk of salmonella, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced Wednesday. According to an Aug. 1 recall notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a multi-state salmonella outbreak may be linked to the vegetable. The recall included all Thomason onions shipped since May 1 and distributed in 5-to-50 pound cartons, in bulk and 2-to-50-pound mesh sacks under the brand names Thomson Premium, TLC Thomson International, Tender Loving Care, El Competitor, Hartleys Best, Onions 52, Majestic, Imperial Fresh, Kroger, Utah Onions, and Food Lion. Consumers, restaurants and retailers are advised not to eat, sell or serve the onions from Thomson International Inc. or any product containing such onions. Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling Kim Earnshaw at 661-845-1111Click here to read full FDA recall noticeClick here to read about FDAs salmonella outbreak

DETROIT Michigan could soon have a new addition to its invasive species list: spotted lanternfly. To date, spotted lanternfly has not been detected in Michigan, but it has been detected spreading across the nation, including in Delaware, Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland and West Virginia. Related: Michigan adds invasive marbled crayfish to prohibited species listAdult spotted lanternflies are identifiable by their bright body and wing colors. Spotted lanternfly could negatively impact our grape industry, said Robert Miller, invasive species prevention and response specialist for MDARD. Related: 11 invasive species to watch out for in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. State officials are reminding Michigan residents as the summer camping season begins not to transport or move firewood because doing so can spread invasive species to other locations. Michigans Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says new infestations of invasive pests or diseases pose a serious threat to the states agriculture, forests and the environment. Invasive species can hide in or on firewood. Officials said that infestations of invasive species or diseases can destroy forests, lower property values and be costly to control. READ: DNR: Camping in Michigan state parks, recreation areas will resume June 22

LANSING, Mich. – Critical food and agriculture jobs are opening throughout Michigan largely due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Economic Opportunity are collaborating with Pure Michigan Talent Connect and Michigan Works! Food and agriculture employers can file open positions with this form from Pure Michigan Talent Connect to spread awareness of critical jobs that need to be filled. Job seekers can connect with Michigan Works! or Pure Michigan Talent Connect to view available job openings.