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VOLUME XV, NO. 1 |
TEXAS DAIRY REVIEW |
JANUARY 2006 |
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Drinking raw milk poses rabies threat to consumers
Livestock Show provides life experience |
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Drinking raw milk poses rabies threat to consumers |
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The demand for raw milk is growing, but what health risks does it entail? Recently, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) announced that persons who consumed raw, unpasteurized milk or cream sold by the Swan Bros. Dairy in Claremore, OK., between Dec. 4 through Dec. 19, may have been exposed to the rabies virus. Dairy cheese products do not pose a risk for rabies exposure as none of the milk from the rabies-infected cow was used in cheese products retailed at the dairy. OSDH officials said most persons who consumed the raw milk or cream are at minimal risk for rabies exposure. However, infants and persons with certain medical conditions may be at higher risk. Medical conditions that would place a person at higher risk are those that suppress the immune system, cause abnormalities of the palate, or cause open sores, erosions, or ulcerations in the mouth, throat, or esophagus. Dr. Brett Cauthen, epidemiologist for OSDH, said rabies is a painful and expensive illness, with preventative shots ranging from $2,500 to $4,000 for treatment. The original number of 45 people has climbed to 62 people who have started receiving the rabies vaccination and another 24 people expected to begin soon. “Unpasteurized milk is dangerous, but it is legal to sell raw milk in the state of Oklahoma,” he said. “Unfortunately, the raw milk was sold to these consumers in cash, so there was no record of the persons involved. We just had to start asking people through public announcements to call us if they bought and drank raw milk from that dairy,” Cauthen said. Cauthen added that three people who drank the milk turned down the vaccine treatment. He explained that milk from the rabid cow was combined with milk from healthy cows and bottled prior to selling it to the public. So, the potential exists for a low level of contamination with the rabies virus during the designated time period. “The actual risk of rabies virus in the milk is small and so far, the sampling has not shown its presence,” he said. OSDH officials report that human cases due to non-bite exposures to rabies are very rare. Scratches, abrasions, open wounds, and mucous membranes contaminated with saliva or other potentially infectious material (such as brain tissue) from a rabid animal constitute non-bite exposures. Inhalation of aerosolized rabies virus is also a potential non-bite route of exposure, but other than laboratory workers, most people are unlikely to encounter aerosolized rabies virus. There are no published studies that have demonstrated the presence of rabies virus in cows’ milk. Although transmission of rabies virus from consuming unpasteurized milk from an infected animal is theoretically possible, no human has ever been reported to develop rabies via this route. Milk that has been heat pasteurized presents no risk for rabies virus transmission. Jim Fraley, a sanitarian for the Milk Group at the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) said the sale of raw milk is legal in Texas as well as many other states. “In Texas, the dairy must have a ‘Grade A Raw for Retail Milk Permit’ issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services.” Fraley said this special permit is very strict as compared to a regular state health permit for producer dairies. “It requires that the dairy is allowed to sell only at the point of production or on the premises. This permit also requires us to do more in-depth testing for specific pathogens, including Ecoli,” he said. Fraley said that eleven dairies in Texas have the Grade A Raw for Retail Milk Permit. "Because of the demand for raw milk by consumers, we must have a permit to issue to facilities that sell it. But, we consider raw milk a hazardous food and we don’t recommend it.” |
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“Behold the Power of Cheese” in Panhandle this spring |
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You just can’t beat that good ol’ Texas hospitality---and it’s one of the best reasons why people want to move to the popular Lone Star State. Add some outstanding, long-term economic benefits and too-good-to-be-true incentives and the overall scheme-of-things-to-come tilts in the right direction. As the new year kicks off, Dalhart, Texas, is beginning to churn with anticipation as construction is due to begin this spring on the new Hilmar Cheese Company processing plant. Located about one mile past the city limits, the new cheese plant will not only benefit the Texas Panhandle but the entire state, according to Gov. Rick Perry, who graciously offered his personal thanks to the company for choosing Texas over Idaho. The warm and friendly Texas welcome charmed Hilmar executives to the Panhandle who were further influenced by a $7.5 million incentive from the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) that helped to clinch the deal. The overall plan was an 18-month joint effort by the High Plains Dairy Council, several state and regional agencies, and representatives from the Hilmar Cheese Company based in Hilmar, California. “This is the premiere, number one, biggest, largest deal the State has been involved in,” Perry said. In addition to TEF, Amarillo Economic Development Corp (AEDC) approved up to $5 million in funding while Dalhart’s Economic Development Corporation (DEDC) has set aside $250,000 for the cheese processing plant. Dumas has also approved funding. In his initial announcement that Hilmar would be expanding their business to Texas, Richard Clauss, chairman of the board of directors at Hilmar Cheese Company, remarked on the warm reception from the 200 people who attended the ceremony. After receiving a standing ovation, Clauss remarked that he had “never got a welcome like that in California.” The company’s expansion to Texas is a personal investment for his family, children, and grandchildren. The diligent and dedicated work of “a few good men” who organized the High Plains Dairy Council in 2002 has finally come to fruition. The council was created to promote the Dalhart area as a dairy relocation opportunity. It is comprised of farmers and businesses operated by an executive board that is headed-up by executive director, David Moore. The city of Dumas, located a little southeast of Dalhart and north of Amarillo, is equally anxious for the cheese plant to begin construction. “We are excited about Hilmar Cheese Company coming to the Texas Panhandle,” said Robert Worley, executive director for the Dumas Economic Development Corporation (DEDC) and a member of the High Plains Dairy Council. “A project of this magnitude will have far-reaching and long-lasting economic benefits for a large region of the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma Panhandle, Eastern New Mexico and Southeastern Colorado,” he said. “Specifically, we in Moore County, are interested in developing dairies, trucking companies, dairy support services and cheese support services. We own a 165-acre business park in Dumas and it is ready for occupants,” Worley said. Hilmar will create over 300 new jobs and attract industry-related businesses to the area. It is predicted the plant will add another 1600 jobs to the Panhandle over the next decade. |
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Nothing left but ashes---after the fire is gone |
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Record breaking temperatures and dry, windy conditions fueled fires across the state of Texas as 2005 came to a close and proceeded into a startling and fiery 2006. The ferocious grassfires that raged through the countryside in Central Texas on New Year’s Day were all too close to home for many residents in Erath and neighboring counties. Destroying properties and causing people to pack up and flee from their homes, some families found there was nothing left but ashes when they returned. The little community of Huckabay, located about 10 miles north of Stephenville, was especially hard hit by the engulfing flames as several houses went up in smoke. Local officials said the Huckabay fires started when high winds caused two power lines on the Circle T Ranch on County Road 403 to cross one another, setting off sparks on the property. It didn’t take long for the sparks to ignite the extremely dry ground, accelerated by strong winds that carried furls of fire rapidly from one neighboring property to the next. The outbreak raged into the next day, destroying forage, structures and everything in its path. Firefighters and volunteers from several counties exhausted all efforts to extinguish the flames. The Texas Air National Guard and the Texas Forest Service aided in fighting the fires. One volunteer firefighter described the chaotic scene as “Armageddon,” while another cited it as a “war zone.” Nat Wofford, a resident of Huckabay, stared in astonishment at the smoldering remains of what was once a 3,000 square foot two-story home that sat high atop a hill overlooking a valley. “This is all that’s left,” he said, pointing to a brick chimney that stood bravely by itself as the burnt ground around it continued to smolder. Wofford, a captain for American Airlines, enjoyed returning to his country home after piloting flights for numerous years. Now, his home is ashes, as is the 500 acres he owns, located off Country Road 419. Trees and underbrush and grasslands have become nothing but gray matter. “But, you just have to go on,” he said and smiled, as he looked intently at the burnt and charred remains. |
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Livestock Show provides life experience |
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The annual Erath County Junior Livestock Show is scheduled for Sat., Jan.7, 8, 9, and 10, at the Erath County Livestock Association Arena in Stephenville. Everyone is encouraged to come out to the show and support the many dedicated youths and others who have worked hard all year long. Robert Scott, Erath County Extension Agent, asks that this year, people give a little more thought to the main purpose of the show and pay a little more attention to the learning experience youths gain by participating in the livestock event. "It's about building character in our young people and the life lessons they learn while caring for an animal, showing an animal, and sometimes parting with the animal, after the show." Scott said it teaches youngsters how to be a gracious winner as well as a gracious loser. Scott shares a poem by Texas ag teacher Lee Wiley Burch, who expresses his thoughts on what the show is all about in "The County Show."
The County Show I saw the boy coming up the aisle-close behind him, followed his dad, With his hand he led this Hereford steer, using all the strength he had. His mom was there in the bleachers, not far from where I sat- A family, a calf, and a County Show-life don’t get much better than that!
They entered the ring like champions, with heads held proudly high, A kid with a steer and a dream in his heart to be found by the judge’s eye. And I thought to myself how lucky I was to be part of this happy crowd, To applaud for them and families alike-who help make our Country proud!
The boy didn’t win the grandest prize, nor even a second place, Yet, he strolled over and shook the winner’s hand with a smile upon his face. It taught me then that life goes on-no matter what the prize, At this show I had learned a lesson---from a kid just half my size.
This County Show, like many more all across our land, Paints more than just a picture of some livestock fed by hand. It’s a yearly shined reflection of the good things that we did, While our youngsters groomed and watered, we poured out love to raise our kids.
When we read our morning papers or watch our TV screens, And see pictures of the violence or hear news, so cruel and mean. There’s still some “Good” in this Country-this, I’m proud to say I know- For I see it across America-each year at the County Show! |
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Kincannons add humor to holiday season in light, funloving way |
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There’s no better time to show your deepest gratitude and love, than at Christmas, when all the family is gathered. This is especially true for the Kincannon Brothers of Morgan Mill who find a renowned pleasure in showing their affection in the form of light-hearted, good natured, fun. In a shared and sometimes zany sense of humor and a quest to pull off a practical joke or two, the Kincannons have created a holiday tradition that people look forward to each year. It all started a few years ago when Chase Kincannon, and his brother Marshall, came up with a little funloving prank to play on their oldest brother, R.D., who was expected to come home for the Christmas holidays. R.D. was working in Dallas but spending his weekends at Morgan Mill on the Kincannon ranch in a little farm house on Hwy. 281 that was originally built for the hired help. Through the years the house had served its purpose but in more modern day times, it fell under the auspices of the Kincannon brothers of whom affectionately nicknamed it the “Shack-teau.” Located on one of the most well-traveled roads in Texas, Chase and Marshall conspired to follow through with a plan for R.D.’s homecoming that the whole community could enjoy. They anxiously proceeded to wrap the “Shack-teau” in an enormous mass of bright and ornate Christmas lights that denoted good will and Christmas cheer to all those who passed by, and especially to R.D., who had not arrived yet. The lights were set to a clapper so when people drove by and honked their horns, the entire array of lights would go on. The enlightening scene was topped off by an obtrusive and obnoxious wreath which was politely anchored to the front door. Although R.D. had no idea of what awaited his arrival, he suspected “something was up” when his friends kept emailing him and saying they “liked his lights.” When he finally arrived, he stared in amazement at what his brothers had done. The entire house was wrapped in lights all the way around in parallel fashion. It was such a well-done job, he could not get in the front door---nor even a window. Nonetheless, and after a round or two of laughter, he wholeheartedly accepted this preposterous display of his brothers’ humor. “R.D. spent his entire Christmas vacation in a brightly lit bedroom while ‘honk, honk, honk’ went on throughout the holiday season,” Chase said. “It’s just a part of the crazy Kincannon Christmas spirit,” he laughed. What Chase and Marshall didn’t realize is that a tradition had been born. Their little prank had drawn laughter and exactly the kind of attention they suspected it would and people began to come from everywhere to see the brightly lit “Shack Teau.” The “Shack-teau’s” Christmas décor was so exhilarating to Chase and Marshall, they didn’t hesitate to come up with an equally absurd idea for the next year. The house was once again meticulously wrapped in a blaze of lights, but they decided it needed a spiritual touch. “I found a really nasty old avocado green bath tub that we stood upright in the front yard. We erected an angel inside the upright tub with a floodlight that shone down on her head. It gave off a halo-effect,” Chase said. The sanctimonious angel was dubbed “Our Lady of the Upright Tub.” When someone honked, the chaser lights on the angel would go off in a circular motion along with the lights on the house. Each year, Chase and Marshall became more consumed with ideas for their Christmas follies. Year three, Chase found just what they were looking for. He located a slightly out-of- shape, 1964 Ford Fairlane “has-been”, that was perfect in his estimation for developing this year’s theme. They towed the car to the house, hoisted it up so that it would sit at an angle on cinder blocks, and put a big stuffed Santa in the driver’s seat. They referred to the scene as “Santa in his (Ford Fairlane) sleigh being pulled into the Heavens by (a brightly adorned) Rudolph” who was perched atop a 15 ft. sucker rod. Year four denoted a very special year. R.D. had become engaged. Marshall and Chase could barely contain their excitement, wringing their hands in anticipation, “for just the right thing” to honor their brother’s matrimonial plans. Scheming for months, they concocted an entire wedding expose. “I saw this old camper---a 12 ft. 50s model---so I went to ask about it. There was all kinds of junk around this house. It was a scrap heap or wrecking yard, I guess. The guy that came to the door sold it to me for $300. He was surprised I offered that much. I hauled it back home (all the way from Scotland, Texas) and we hooked it up behind the Ford Fairlane. “We thought it would be neat if R.D. could take his new bride camping (at the beach) on their honeymoon so we put up tiki torches, lawn chairs, and found lights that had palm trees and pink flamingos on them. “Of course graffiti and “Just Married” was written all over the windows. “We called this the ‘Honeymoon Sweet.’ “ R.D. was surprised once again by the zany antics of his brothers. The entire picture was breathtaking, to say the least. The “Shack-teau” was still wrapped in lights, the angel in the bathtub was still glowing, and now the Ford and the camper were hooked up to honor his upcoming wedding. All this was still connected to a clapper. This tomfoolery exhibition of their ingenious ideas had grown into a public display, and they loved it. Chase said they began to diligently work on the Christmas theme all year long. This year, after months of brainstorming, the plan finally began to take on life. “I had wrecked my pickup. It was totaled but fortunately, no one was injured,” Chase said. They towed the wrecked truck to the front yard, put Santa in the driver’s seat, and in front of the hood erected a large, “surprised-looking” plastic deer that had met its fate. Another deer laid upside down behind the truck and another casualty (deer) laid underneath it, with Santa standing out front assessing the damage while several empty bottles rolled around at his feet. For all intent and purposes, it appeared that Santa had unfortunately and somehow run over his own reindeers. “I’m not sure what kind of message this sends other than Santa sure shouldn’t drive and drink,” Chase laughed. He explained that all of the years’ themes have been done in good old-fashioned, lighthearted fun, with a slight twist here or there to draw attention. “If you’re a member of this family, you’ve got to have a good sense of humor,” Chase said. As an afterthought, he added, “Remember the movie Christmas vacation? Well, my grandmother is a Griswold. Laughing, he said, “She really is.” |
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Enhance your holiday spirit with a trip down south |
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It may be too late this year, but if you’re looking for something to do to enhance your holiday spirit next year, load up the family and take a trip on Hwy. 281 south to Johnson City and Marble Falls. You’ll be enamored and amazed at the sights you will see that are bound to thrill the young and old, alike. Johnson City, best known as the home of President Lyndon B. Johnson and Lady Bird, has something to be proud of besides the notoriety gained from the former president and his wife. With 100,000 sparkling lights that adorn the Blanco County Courthouse and a holiday park filled with multicolored sculptures and Christmas characters, there’s little left to the imagination. A block or two away is the incredible lighted tree display in front of the Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) building. The brightly lit white lights create a winter wonderland that mesmerizes its visitors Marble Falls, one of Texas’ most beautiful cities all year round, is equally aglow at Christmas with its “walkway of lights.” Located just off the Hwy. 281 bridge, the festive and sparkling lights reflecting on the beautiful waters of Lake Marble Falls is breathtaking. The magic of Christmas comes alive while strolling through the millions of twinkling holiday displays and animated characters. The holiday efforts exhibited by both of these Texas cities is something the public can thoroughly enjoy. Make plans now to go south next year. It’s well-worth the trip. |
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