MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Pets Safe this Holiday Season

Following a few easy tips can help ensure you have a healthy, happy howl-iday with your pets

LANSING, MI— As Michiganders put the final touches on their decorative displays, holiday menus, and travel plans, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep their pets healthy and safe this holiday.

“Our holiday celebrations often involve the whole family—including our pets. As we plan our festivities, we want our pets to be comfortable and calm,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “There are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this season, including keeping them away from fatty foods and ensuring they have up-to-date vaccinations.”

Keep pets safe this holiday season by following these six easy tips:

Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding pets people foods.

Unfortunately, pets cannot enjoy all of the same foods and treats we do. Fatty foods (like turkey/turkey skin, meat fat, and gravy) can cause pancreatitis—even when consumed in small amounts. Also, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to pets; and bones can cause injury and illness.

Avoid Temptations: Keep holiday decorations out of reach.

Sparkling ornaments, tinsel, and lights make for a beautiful display and can catch our pets’ eye. If consumed, these items could cause intestinal blockages or other injuries. Be sure these items are out of their reach, along with candles, potpourris, and some festive flowers/plants—such as mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias.

Search No More: Make sure pets have proper identification.

With all the holiday activities, pets can easily sneak out and get lost. Make sure pets have identification tags and microchips updated with your current contact information to ensure they can be returned home.

Destress and Decompress: Have a quiet space for your pets.

Holiday celebrations can be loud and overly stimulating for pets. Therefore, it is important to have a quiet space set aside for them to go if they are getting too stressed. Also, have the room stocked with their food, water, litter pan, etc. in case they would like to maintain their distance for an extended period of time.

Cleared for Take-off: Ensure your pet is fit for travel.

If you will be travelling with your pets this holiday season, talk with your veterinarian to determine what steps, documents, or preventative care might be needed to ensure your pet is ready to go!

Destination states, countries, commercial carriers, and even lodging facilities can all have different requirements for your pets to accompany you. More resources can also be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pet Travel website or on MDARD’s animal movement website.

Spread Only Joy: Make sure pets are up to date on their vaccinations and keep them home if they are sick.

When pets travel or encounter other people and animals, they can be exposed to contagious diseases, which is why ensuring they are fully vaccinated is so important.

Therefore, be sure to discuss travel or boarding plans with your veterinarian to determine how best to protect your pets from disease. Based on their risk, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations.

Also, if sick, pets can equally spread their germs to others. Keep your pet at home and away from other animals if they exhibit any signs of illness, and contact your veterinarian for further care.

These tips can help your pets stay holly, jolly, and safe this holiday season. If there are ever any concerns about your pets’ health now or beyon

MDARD helps Michigan Christmas tree farms spread holiday cheer across the U.S.

LANSING – Every year, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) helps farmers ensure their trees are free of invasive spongy moth (Lymantria dispar), providing the certification needed to safely deliver Christmas trees to households across the U.S.

“Christmas tree production is a large part of Michigan’s multi-million dollar green industry,” said Mike Philip, MDARD’s Bureau of Environment and Sustainability Director. “Farmers rely on this certification to support their business and enable safe trade.”

Spongy moth caterpillars can defoliate trees, leaving trees vulnerable to diseases and other pests and can eventually kill the tree. Although Christmas tree species are generally not the top feeding choice for spongy moth, they will feed on and lay egg masses on any Christmas tree species.

Certification is required to meet guidelines implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Federal Spongy Moth Quarantine to limit the spread of spongy moth. Since Michigan has confirmed spongy moth populations in every county, the entire state lies within the area regulated under the quarantine and all plant material, including cut Christmas trees shipped from within Michigan to areas outside of the quarantine zone, must be inspected and have proper certification before transport.

Michigan ranks third in the nation for the number of Christmas trees harvested, supplying over 2 million fresh trees – with an annual net value of $30-$40 million – to the national market each year. There are more than 560 Christmas tree farms on a combined 37,000 acres across the state, ranging from large wholesale farms, to choose and cut farms, to small farms with a few acres selling pre-cut trees.

“Many states don’t have the right climate or soil conditions to grow Christmas trees,” added Philip. “By helping Michigan farmers get this certification, we’re helping families across the country have real, fresh-cut Christmas trees this holiday season.”

Watch how MDARD inspects Michigan Christmas Trees each year helping to spread holiday cheer, here.

To learn more about MDARD’s Christmas tree program, visit www.michigan.gov/mdard/licensing/agprod/xmastrees.

MDARD celebrates World Soil Day

LANSING – December 5 is World Soil Day; a day to recognize soil as a foundational piece of our ecosystems and a vital contributor to human health through food and fuel production and water quality protection. Today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is encouraging the public to learn more about the importance of soil health and what steps can be taken to improve and sustain soil quality in Michigan.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 95 percent of the food the world consumes is grown directly in the soil. However, soil health is under pressure from many threats, including erosion, loss of soil organic carbon and biodiversity, and pollution. Proper soil management is needed to continue to produce enough food to feed a growing global population.

“Thanks to Governor Whitmer’s bipartisan budget investments, MDARD is realigning, expanding and revitalizing our environmental programs and developing new initiatives to invest in regenerative agriculture,” said Tim Boring, MDARD. “Through existing programs such as the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program, we work directly with farmers make long-term, tangible improvements to Michigan’s soil health.”

Sustainable agricultural practices, such as conservation tillage, diverse crop rotations, and cover cropping play a huge role in improving soil health, reducing erosion and pollution, and enhancing water infiltration and storage.

“Protecting soil health is not just the responsibility of our agricultural industry,” added Boring. “Everyone can and must do their part.”

How to improve soil quality in your community and backyard:

• Plant trees – Trees can help prevent soil erosion, increase aeriation, and water infiltration, and add nutrients into the ground.
• Reduce plastic pollution – Microplastics can enter the soil, impact agricultural yields, and can harm the organisms that make their home in the soil.
• Cultivate biodiversity – Growing native plants can restore local ecosystems and help our pollinators thrive.
• Be informed – Learn more about what you can do to protect and promote soil health and share your knowledge with friends and family.

To learn more about MDARD’s agricultural and environmental programs, visit www.Michigan.gov/MDARD.

VIDEO RELEASE: MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Pets Safe this Thanksgiving

Enjoy all the delights of the holiday without causing discomfort and stress for pets

LANSING, MI—As Michiganders put the final touches on their holiday menus and travel plans, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep their pets healthy and safe this Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with food, family, and loved ones including our pets. When pets are part of the festivities, we want to make sure to plan for and meet their needs, so our pets won’t have any discomfort or additional stress,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From keeping them away from fatty foods to ensuring they have up-to-date identification, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Thanksgiving.”

Keep pets safe this holiday by following these six easy tips:

• Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding pets certain holiday foods

Unfortunately, pets cannot enjoy all of the same foods and treats we do. Fatty foods (like turkey/turkey skin, meat fat, and gravy) can cause pancreatitis—even when consumed in small amounts. Also, chocolate, grapes/raisins, onions, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) can be poisonous to pets; and bones can cause injury and illness as well. However, foods like cheese and some unseasoned vegetables like green beans, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes can be given in limited amounts as special treats.

• Stash the Trash: Keep pets away from the garbage can

Discarded bones, strings, bags, and other food-related packaging can be problematic if pets try to eat them. Once disposed of, make sure these items are kept away from pets in tightly secured trash bags placed in trashcans that are kept behind a closed door, in the garage, or outside.

• Avoid Temptations: Keep decorations out of reach

Centerpieces, candles, and lights not only make for a beautiful display but also catch the eye of our pets. If consumed, these items could cause intestinal blockages or other injuries. Be sure these items are out of their reach, along with potpourris and some festive flowers/plants.

• Search No More: Make sure pets have proper identification

With all the activity both in and out of the kitchen, it can be easy for pets to sneak out and get lost. Make sure pets have identification tags and/or microchips that are up to date with current contact information to better ensure they are returned home.

• Destress and Decompress: Have a quiet space for your pets

The new people, large crowds, and lively activities can be loud and overly stimulating for pets. Pets could also become overwhelmed if guests bring over their pets to visit as well. It is important to have a quiet space set aside for your pet to be alone. Also, have the room stocked with their food, water, litter pan, etc. in case they would like to maintain their distance for an extended period of time.

• Cleared for Take-off: Ensure your pets are fit for travel

If you will be travelling with your pets this holiday season, talk with your veterinarian to determine what steps, documents, or preventative care might be needed to ensure your pet is ready to go! Destination states, countries, commercial carriers, and even lodging facilities can all have different requirements for your pets to accompany you. More resources can also be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pet Travel website or on MDARD’s animal movement website.

Following these tips can help keep your animals safe and healthy through the holiday. If there are any concerns about your animals’ health either now or throughout the year, please contact your veterinarian.

Watch MDARD’s ‘Serving a Four-Course Dog Friendly Thanksgiving here. 

MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity to Support Michigan’s Horticulture Businesses

Proposals must be received via email no later than November 22, 2023

LANSING – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) announced today it is accepting grant proposals for the 2024 Horticulture Fund designed to support Michigan’s nursery and ornamental horticulture businesses. Proposals must be received no later than Wednesday, November 22, 2023, with the maximum grant award of $20,000.

All faculty and staff members of universities and colleges in Michigan are eligible to receive funding, as well as teams of university/college investigators and private individuals. University or college personnel must be the Principal Investigator of the proposal.

While eligible projects for grant consideration can be either new or ongoing, all proposals must fall under one of three funding categories:

• Applied Research: Crop management systems that enhance industry profitability while being environmentally and socially responsible and provide long-term benefits to Michigan’s nursery and ornamental horticulture industry.
• Basic Research: Research generating knowledge that can be used to address contemporary problems and/or enable the future development and implementation of improved techniques or processes.
• Outreach/Training/Demonstration: Activities focused on assisting Michigan’s nursery and ornamental horticultural industries.

Proposals must be received via email at [email protected] no later than Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Applications and grant guidelines are available online.

Proposals will be reviewed by the Horticulture Fund Advisory Committee, which are appointed by MDARD’s Director. Grant recipients plan to be announced in May 2024.

For additional information about MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, visit www.michigan.gov/mdard/plant-pest.

MDARD, horticulture industry on the lookout for invasive balsam woolly adelgid

Lansing, MI – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is working with the state’s horticulture industry to detect and respond to invasive balsam woolly adelgid, a tiny, sap-feeding insect that attacks true fir trees, including balsam, Fraser and concolor (white) fir.

Balsam woolly adelgid has been identified in Kent, Missaukee, and Oceana counties. The site in Kent County was treated and monitoring is ongoing. MDARD is currently working with partner agencies to survey the areas surrounding the populations in Missaukee and Oceana counties.

“An educated, vigilant horticulture industry is Michigan’s first line of defense against the spread of invasive species,” said Mike Philip, Director of MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. “Early detection and response are critical to protecting Michigan’s natural resources and horticulture businesses.”

Nearly 1.9 million balsam fir trees populate Michigan’s forests in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula. Fraser and concolor fir trees are not native to Michigan but are often planted on landscapes.

Symptoms of balsam woolly adelgid infestation include:

• Tiny one-to-two-millimeter white woolly tufts on the lower trunk of the tree and possibly on large branches in the spring and summer.
• Swelling and distortion of the twigs, commonly called “gout.”
• Flagging – A branch or branches that turn brick-red and die.
• Tree crowns that become narrow and misshapen with few needles.

If Michiganders suspect this invasive pest is damaging fir trees, they should take photos, note the location, and report it to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network or MDARD at [email protected] or call 800-292-3939. For more information on balsam woolly adelgid and other invasive species in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.