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The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says that bird flu may have been found in waterfowl in Auglaize and Mercer counties. They collected many dead wild birds to be tested for highly pathogenic avian flu, and they say that the virus is presumed to be found in eleven counties, including Auglaize and Mercer Counties. Canada geese, trumpeter swans, and mallards have been tested in the last few weeks.

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The Allen County Dog Warden has several tips on how to keep your dog safe this Halloween. Costumes are fun for humans, but the dog warden points out that the capes and masks are frightening to many animals. The risk of pets running off due to stress is high, especially for those opening the door frequently throughout the night to pass out candy. To prevent escapes or bites, it's recommended to keep your pets confined somewhere in the home during trick-or-treating hours. For those coming home with bags of candy, make sure they're stored somewhere animals can't open or reach.

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September 12, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Hunters in Ohio have additional dates this season to pursue white-tailed deer in Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance areas, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. For the 2024-25 season, the disease surveillance area includes all of Hardin, Marion, and Wyandot counties as well as Auglaize and Jackson townships in Allen County. The Division of Wildlife established earlier hunting seasons within the disease surveillance area to slow the spread of CWD by reducing deer numbers before the breeding season. Archery hunting season begins Saturday, Sept. 14. An early gun hunting season is open from Saturday, Oct. 12 to Monday, Oct. 14. 

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With more cases of the West Nile virus being reported here in the US, some people may be wondering how it spreads and what can be done to stop it. Dr. Cardona said that in most cases, a person who gets infected with the West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. However, those who do may get a fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. In rare instances, West Nile can be deadly. Dr. Cardona said, as of right now, there is no specific medication to treat it nor any vaccination available.

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ALLEN COUNTY, OH (WLIO) - They get more done before other kids their age get up during the summer. We are talking about 4-H kids, and we asked some in the Horse Barn about getting to work at the Allen County Fair as the sun starts to rise. For the 2024 Allen County Horse Queen, Elayna Smith, that perspective starts bright and early in the morning in the barn with her horse Cherokee.

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If you have a dog you have had to get a dog license, but do you know what that fee goes towards? It does get you the state-required license that protects your dog in the event it gets lost. The fee also funds the operation of the dog warden's office. The Allen County Dog Warden implemented a 5-year improvement plan for the facility located on Seriff Road. The kennels have been renovated with new floor coatings and new ceiling panels and lighting so far. A new garage has been built and a new cement parking area has been built. They are currently working on new outdoor dog kennels and runs for the canines at the facility.

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It's time to celebrate America's independence, but our four-legged friends may find the Fourth of July stressful. Many will celebrate this week with fireworks, either at home or at a public show. Allen County Dog Warden Julie Shellhammer says dog owners should take extra precautions to make sure their pets are safe and secure because dogs often aren't big fans of fireworks and loud noises. She recommends leaving dogs at home, where they feel safe and at ease when you go out to see the fireworks.

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June 24, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio State University Extension Allen County: Allen County – Are you a hunter, landowner, or wildlife enthusiast? If so, please join the Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife for an evening workshop about chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Ohio’s wild deer herd.