Tag Archives: Coconino County

Precautions recommended to prevent rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has received several reports of potential and confirmed human and domestic animal exposures to rabid wildlife.

A recent confirmed exposure occurred near Jacob Lake southeast of Fredonia, Arizona. An individual and a dog encountered a bat that subsequently tested positive for rabies. The individual is receiving rabies prophylaxis treatment and the vaccinated dog has been placed in a 10-day at-home quarantine for observation.

A potential rabies exposure occurred in a Flagstaff neighborhood where two dogs interacted with a dead skunk found in the dogs’ pen. As a result, the skunk is being tested for rabies to confirm if the dogs were exposed to the rabies virus. Test results are pending.

An additional potential exposure involved a Flagstaff resident and two cats that were exposed to a bat suspected to have rabies. Test results in this case are also pending.

CCHHS is reminding individuals to use caution to protect against rabies exposure when hiking, camping or in situation where wildlife may be present. Health officials recommend the following precautions to protect against rabies:

  • Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual wildlife behaviors which can include; showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
  • Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
  • Always keep pets away from wild animals.
  • Never pick up, touch, or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
  • Report any wild animals exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by or when there is direct contact with a wild animal.
  • Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian if their pet is bitten by wildlife.

Rabies is a virus spread by the bite of an infected animal or direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal (such as via a scratch or tear in the skin). In Arizona, bats, skunks, and foxes are the main animal sources of rabies. Rabies causes severe damage to the central nervous system and usually leads to death once symptoms appear. However, effects of the virus are preventable if proper medical treatment is obtained within the proper timeframe.

Human exposures to rabid animals are usually rare, but domestic animals, such as cats and dogs often come into contact with wild animals and are at an increased risk. Routine rabies vaccination will help protect your pet against rabies.

Interactions with a bat or a bat found in a home should be reported to the Coconino County Health and Human Services Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756. Unusual wildlife sightings or behavior should also be reported. To report an emergency involving wildlife, call 911.

For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.

4th graders get free admission to Coconino NF fee areas for a year

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SEDONA — The Every Kid Outdoors annual pass provides fourth grade students, along with their families, friends and classmates, free access to Coconino National Forest fee areas, along with more than 2,000 other federal recreation areas for a year.

The Every Kid Outdoors Program encourages fourth graders to explore, learn, and recreate in spectacular settings, including national forests, parks, wildlife refuges, and marine sanctuaries.

“There are wonderful recreation and educational opportunities in the Red Rock area near Sedona to explore,” said Amy Tinderholt, Red Rock district ranger. “Visits during school trips or family vacations to experience the beauty and history in Red Rock country will provide lifelong memories.”
To obtain the free pass, fourth grade students should visit the Every Kid Outdoors website, participate in a short educational activity, and download a voucher. The voucher is valid for multiple uses between Sept. 1, 2019 and Aug. 31, 2020 to correspond to the traditional school year. The voucher may be exchanged for a plastic keepsake pass at participating federal lands offices including the Flagstaff Ranger Station and Supervisor’s Office in Flagstaff, Mogollon Rim Ranger Station near Clints Well, and Red Rock Ranger Station/Visitor Center in Sedona.

The voucher or pass grants free entry for fourth graders, all children under 16 in the group and up to three accompanying adults (or an entire car for drive-in parks) to most federally managed lands and waters. The pass does not cover expanded amenity fees such as camping or boat rides.

The great outdoors make a great classroom. Fourth grade educators are encouraged to take advantage of the wide range of educational programs and tools associated with the Every Kid Outdoors program. Educational activities, field trip options, information and tools in English and Spanish, and the ability to print vouchers for passes for students are all available on the website.

“The Red Rock Ranger District has over 300 miles of trails, access to wilderness areas, water recreation and archaeological wonders to visit—all free with your Every Kid Outdoors pass,” said Tinderholt. “Come adventure here for an afternoon, or a week, and return often!”

The Every Kid Outdoors Program was established by Congress in 2019. It replaces the Every Kid in a Park Program which was launched in 2015. It is an inter-agency collaboration between the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and U.S. Forest Service.

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus

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FLAGSTAFF -– Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials found mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in an area south of Lake Mary Road in Flagstaff. This is the first positive WNV in mosquitoes in Coconino County this year. No human cases have been reported in Coconino County since 2010 when two human cases were identified.

CCHHS staff has applied a non-toxic larvicide treatment to reduce mosquito populations in water pools in the affected area and in other locations in the County. CCHHS will continue trapping and testing mosquitoes in areas where there is mosquito activity until colder weather returns. Although this is the only area where mosquitoes have tested positive this year, WNV is endemic and could be present in other areas throughout the County.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or PMD–the synthesized version of oil of lemon eucalyptus—and IR3535 typically provide reasonably long-lasting protection.

People are encouraged to take the following precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

· Mosquitoes that carry WNV are most active at dusk and dawn. Stay indoors during these times or wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoor.
· Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
· Use air conditioning, if available.
· Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs near your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.

People should continue these preventive measures until cold weather returns and mosquito activity diminishes in the fall.

There is no specific treatment for WNV other than supportive care, and there is no vaccine available for humans. A WNV vaccination is available for horses. CCHHS encourages horse owners to discuss vaccinations with their veterinarian.

For more information or to report any concerns, call the Coconino County Health and Human Services Environmental Health office at 928-679-8750 or toll free 1-877-679-7272.

Bellemont Area Plan public hearing schedule announced

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FLAGSTAFF – A public hearing for the draft of the updated Bellemont Area Plan is scheduled with the Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission. The public is invited to attend.

The Bellemont Area Plan is a land use planning document that will guide land use and development in Bellemont for the next 20 years. Over the past 24 months, a committee of Bellemont residents, property owners and business owners have worked to develop the draft plan. The public hearings will be an opportunity for the community to hear the details of the updated plan containing the vision for Bellemont’s future. People can learn about how the updated plan addresses goals and policies for land use, transportation, community services and other issues identified during the process. The public hearings provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the draft plan and its contents.

The Planning and Zoning Commission held its first hearing on June 26 and continued the item to August 28, 2019. The Board of Supervisors hearing will be scheduled after the Commission makes a recommendation.

For questions and to view the draft plan, visit the Planning and Zoning webpage at http://www.coconino.az.gov/1948/Long-Range-Planning.

Arlington appointed County Legal Defender

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FLAGSTAFF — County Manager James Jayne has named Erika Arlington as the new County Legal Defender. The Board of Supervisors confirmed the appointment during the August 6 board meeting.

Arlington has been serving as the Interim Legal Defender since January. The Legal Defender’s Office fulfills the State’s constitutional obligation to provide legal services to persons who are indigent and face a loss of their liberty or family.

“After years of dedicated service to the County and community, we are extremely excited that Erika will continue her career with us as the Legal Defender,” said County Manager James Jayne. “During her tenure in the Legal Defender’s Office, especially as the Interim Legal Defender the past eight months, Erika has demonstrated the leadership and professionalism to head this department. She has the full support of the County Leadership Team and we look forward to partnering with her in this new role.”

Arlington has been with the County Legal Defenders Office since August of 2018. Prior to her time with the Legal Defender’s Office, she worked in the County Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, as Associate Faculty at NAU and in private practice. She is also a past President of the Coconino County Bar Association.

“I’m honored to represent the Legal Defender’s Office and the Citizens of Coconino County,” said Arlington. “I’m passionate about criminal defense and dependency representation and have found a tremendous amount of joy representing those clients. I look forward to working in collaboration with our awesome team to continue to provide excellent service to our community.”

Arlington earned her Bachelor of Arts at Sacramento State University, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of California Davis, King Hall School of Law.

Museum Flood Sunnyside Area Open House

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County and the city of Flagstaff are hosting an Open House to answer resident’s questions about potential flooding due to the Museum Fire. The Open House will be at 5:30 p.m. August 5, 2019 in the parking lot of the Peak School campus on Spruce Avenue (2229 E Spruce Ave.).

The County’s Flood Control District and city of Flagstaff officials will be available to answer questions regarding flood risk, mitigation, flood insurance and public safety.

Spanish interpretation will be available at the meetings. American Sign Language Interpretation is available upon request. If people require this or other types of accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact the call center at 928-213-2990 by 10 a.m. on August 5.

To sign-up for emergency notifications, please go to coconino.az.gov/ready.

WHO: Residents and property owners with questions about potential flooding due to the Museum Fire.
WHAT: Museum Flood Sunnyside Area Open House
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Monday, August 5
WHERE: Peak School Campus on Spruce Avenue (2229 E Spruce Ave.)

EOC Activated for Museum Fire

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FLAGSTAFF – The Flagstaff Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has bee activated in support of the 200-acre Museum Fire in the Dry Hills area northwest o Mount Elden. Over 180 firefighters and over a dozen aircraft are fighting the fire. The cause of the fire, that started at 5+ acres, is still under investigation.

Currently there are evacuation orders for Forest Road 420 to Highway 89 and Shultz Pass Road south of the private lands. The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff located at 3950 E Butler Avenue.

Coconino County Offices closed in honor of Memorial Day

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FLAGSTAFF — All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, May 27, 2019 in honor of Memorial Day.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Monday, May 27, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be operating under normal schedules. Records will be open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. May 27. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.

Coconino County’s parks and natural areas will remain open Monday, May 27, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill County Park will be closed and limited staff or services will be available. Coconino County parks and natural areas’ trails, ramadas, picnic areas and watchable wildlife sites/viewing platforms are open. Fort Tuthill Campground and Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course will remain open.

Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Animal Management will have an officer available from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, May 27. Contact the CCPHSD Animal Management office at 928-679-8756 and leave a message and an officer will respond. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

County tests Emergency Notification System

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Emergency Management is conducting a test of the emergency notification system between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Monday, May 27. This will help ensure that the system is up to date.

County officials are encouraging all residents to sign-up to receive emergency notifications. During the test, residents should receive a message verifying they have been entered into the emergency notification system. People that did not receive a message can sign-up at coconino.az.gov/ready. For questions or assistance call 928-679-8311.

Public Health Officials urge precautions against rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Officials are urging people to protect themselves against rabies.

CCPHSD advises individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they are bitten or have had contact with an animal suspected to have rabies. Postexposure prophylaxis, a series of injections, may be recommended to prevent disease. Once symptoms appear, rabies is fatal in humans.

Prior to symptoms appearing, Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite, scratch or lick of a rabid animal. Most animal rabies cases reported to the CCPHSD each year occur in wild animals like foxes and skunks.

People are urged to take the following precautions to protect from rabies:

  • Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual wildlife behaviors which can include; showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
  • Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
  • Always keep pets away from wild animals.
  • Never pick up, touch or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
  • Report any wild animal exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.

Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian and call the appropriate authorities if their pet is bitten by wildlife.

Call Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management at 928-679-8756. In an emergency, call 911.

For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.