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WC CWF Health District Board Minutes - 01/12/2024 WICHITA FALLS-WICHITA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH BOARD MINUTES ��0,acourr���o January 12, 2024 F f E3 z, Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District �h 1700 Third Street Clements Conference Room Wichita Falls, Texas Public Health BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Keith Williamson. M D Chair Physician — City Appointment Rachel Reitan Citizen At-Large—City Appointment Melissa Plowman Restaurant Association —City Appointment Tonya Egloff, D.D.S. Dentist—County Appointment Raymond Forsythe Citizen At-Large—County Appointment BOARD MEMBERS EXCUSED ABSENCE: Nichole Jefferson, RN Registered Nurse—City Appointment Jered Harlan, D V M. Veterinarian —City Appointment OTHERS PRESENT: Amy K. Fagan. M P A. Director of Health Brandi Smith, B.S.. RN Assistant Director of Health Judge Jim Johnson County Judge Mark Beauchamp County Commissioner Michael Smith City Liaison I. CALL TO ORDER Dr. Williamson, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12.10 pm after a quorum of members attained. II. New Member Induction Judge Johnson read the Oath of Office and Statement of Officer and swore in the new member, Rachel Reitan, and reappointments of Melissa Plowman and Dr. Tanya Egloff. Dr. Williamson started an introduction of everyone present. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND ABSENCES Dr. Williamson called for the review and approval of the September 8, 2023 minutes. A motion was made by Melissa Plowman to accept the minutes and Dr. Egloff seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously. IV. VECTOR PROGRAM UPDATE Dr. Williamson introduced Samantha Blair, Environmental Health Administrator. She spoke about the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District's Mosquito Control Program. The program performs integrated mosquito management (that's like IPM (integrated pest management) for mosquitoes). IMM programs use all the tools in the toolbox: physical, chemical and biological control. We use source reduction techniques (primarily through our public education and outreach activities to encourage citizens to reduce mosquito breeding sources around their own yards). We also apply pesticides not harming the non-target species that may be offering some biological control. Locally our mosquito season typically gears up in April/May and runs until October or November. We do both passive and active mosquito surveillance. We also set out mosquito traps to capture mosquitoes to send off to DSHS in Austin for testing for disease presence in the mosquito pool. Mosquitoes can carry many different diseases, however not all are a concern in Wichita County. The primary diseases we are watching for and/or testing for are: West Nile Virus — The leading cause for mosquito-borne disease in the United States. We generally have at least one positive mosquito pool each year, typically starting late summer/early fall. Locally this disease is primarily associated with the Culex species of mosquito, also called the southern house mosquito. This species is a small fierce dusk and dawn biter and actually prefers to feast on birds over humans. They prefer to lay egg rafts on semi-permanent water sources with a heavy organic load. Saint Louis Encephalitis — Typically associated with Eastern United States, we are beginning to see more cases in Texas. Two mosquito pools tested positive for SLE in 2023 in Wichita County. Culex species of mosquitoes are again the primary species associate with SLE. Malaria — A mosquito borne disease caused by a parasite. Often considered the most dangerous vector borne disease in the world due to the high rate of infection and death associated with the disease primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, both California and Texas saw cases considered to be locally acquired Malaria is associated with Anopheles mosquitoes which are a permanent water mosquito which can be found in Wichita County in small numbers. We do a true chemical class rotation to prevent pesticide resistance. This is done in the city limits of Wichita Falls and the unincorporated areas of Wichita County. We treat public right of way and easements. Wichita County resident may pick up one blister pack of Natular larvacide free per year to treat standing water on their private property. Citizens should dump, drain and wipe the sides of pet dishes and other small containers that hold water daily to remove mosquito eggs. Citizens are encouraged to wear EPA approved insect repellents any time they are outside during mosquito season. Additionally, citizens may call 940-761-7890 and report standing water or abundant mosquitos. We use these complaints to help drive mosquito spray activities. An interactive mosquito map is available during mosquito season and updated weekly with information about the zones which are receiving the highest level of complaints, where we have sprayed and whether an area had a mosquito pool positive for mosquito borne disease. Citizens can access this map from the Health District's homepage. V. OVERVIEW OF ANIMAL SERVICES Dr. Williamson introduced Nicki Bacon, Animal Services Administrator. She showed a PowerPoint presentation and spoke about Wichita Falls Animal Services located on Hatton Road. They have 19 employees. Animal Services has room for 82 dogs and 54 cats. They also have a livestock pen. All Animal Control Officer (ACO) are trained and certified by the State of Texas DSHS within the first year of employment. They must receive 30 hours of CE training every 3 years, Euthanasia certification 2 every 3 years and Bite Stick/OC Spray training. They have 2 ACOs that are Texas Certified Cruelty Investigators which involved approximately 45 hours of training per section and is renewed every 3 years. Certification takes 2-3 years to obtain. Animal Control Officers impound 2,500 animals per year on average (dogs. cats, wildlife, others). Animals impounded are held for a certain amount of time. All dogs/cats are scanned for a microchip at least 3 times during their stay. They are all scanned out in the field by the ACO picking them up. They have two shelter pets, Bubbles & Harvey the Shelter Ambassador. City Ordinance 14-297 Animal At Large — Animals are considered at large if they are not on a leash or in a fenced area. They do respond to calls about wild animals, injured birds (taken to Wild Bird Rescue), and calls for wildlife inside the home and bobcat cubs mistaken for kittens. They adopt out unclaimed livestock. Skunk strain is the most prevalent strain of rabies in Wichita County. ACO's obtain seizure warrants and seize animals for a variety of reasons: Abandonments Cruelty or Neglect Unsanitary Conditions Prohibited/Too many animals Citizens are allowed 4 pets without needing a permit. Animal Service's euthanasia rate is 44%, which means we are saving 66% of the animals that come in to the shelter. Only staff who are certified perform euthanasia. We do not like this part. but it is necessary. We also euthanize animals for citizens in the community at a reduced cost. In 2022 they had 15% Adoptions, 19% Reclaimed by Owner and 22% Transferred to Rescue. They assist in animals hit/killed on city streets, vet clinic pickups, owned animals that pass away and owner request euthanasia. There is a fee depending on the weight of pet. ASC University! Education is the key to success! Animal Services provide lots of outreach & Community Education. Bite Prevention, Snakes, Spay/Neuter, Responsible Pet ownership, Wildlife/Rabies, Trap Program, Local Ordinances and Services that they offer. We reach out to: Citizens — daily on an individual basis! Boy & Girl Scouts Campfire Project Back to School Career Days Health Fairs Shelter tours Citizen's Police Academy PD Dispatch Academy Postal Carriers UPS They work with a lot of outside agencies and are glad to have good working relationships to help the animals in our community: DPS, Wichita County Sheriff, WFPD, Game Wardens, WFFD, Wild Bird Rescue and Other City Departments Animal Services are on Social Media at www.24petconnect.com/pp2585, Woof Trax: Walk For a Dog. 3 www.Facebook.com/wichitafallsanimalservices. VI. NEXT MEETING DATE Next meeting will be March 8, 2024. VII. ADJOURN Dr Williamson adjourned the meeting at 12:53. 417) Signat re Afl hJ Z l i Ga,unn.g b Print - Keith Williamson, MD, Chair, Tonya Egloff, D.D.S., Vice-Chair 4