Tag Archives: FDACS

Contributors/Press

Bronson Announces Accreditation of Ag Law Enforcement and Inspector General

1 Comment

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson has announced the reaccreditation of his Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (AgLaw) following a rigorous review by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). The office first gained accreditation in 2007 and in April was re-evaluated for renewal of that status.  For the first time, the department’s Inspector General’s Office has also received accreditation following a full on-site visit.

The CFA reviews all aspects of an agency’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support systems to verify compliance with 276 recognized standards of excellence.  Accreditation by the CFA is voluntary but considered a significant accomplishment and this status is held in high esteem by the criminal justice community.

“This meticulous review of the facilities, personnel and programs within AgLaw measures our professionalism in a meaningful way, ensuring we meet the high standards dictated by law enforcement across the state and the nation,” Bronson said.  “The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement has continued to expand its duties and responsibilities over the years in protecting our citizens and visitors and clearly our peers have determined we are meeting and exceeding expectations.”

Continue reading Bronson Announces Accreditation of Ag Law Enforcement and Inspector General →

Contributors/Press

Vaccinations Urged for Horses as EEE Cases Rise

Leave a comment

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is urging horse owners to get their animals vaccinated following an upsurge in the number of Eastern Equine Encephalitis cases.  Sentinel chickens that serve as an early warning of the existence of the disease are also being diagnosed with EEE in areas of the state that are not usually affected.

So far this year there have been 16 confirmed cases of EEE in horses.  While that is not an unusually high number, seven of the cases were reported on Wednesday, June 23, from counties scattered throughout the state.

“Most of the cases have been in the central and north central part of the state which is normal,” Bronson said.  “But we are also seeing increased EEE and West Nile Virus activity in sentinel chickens in the southern part of the state, including Martin County which has not had EEE detected in 30 years.  In addition, there has been a confirmed case of EEE in a horse in both Collier and Okeechobee counties.  So I want to remind horse owners of the importance of getting their animals vaccinated.”

EEE is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted to horses by infected mosquitoes.  Signs of the virus include fever, listlessness, stumbling, circling, coma and usually death.  The disease is fatal in horses in 90 percent of the cases.

Bronson says the majority of cases of EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases can be prevented through proper vaccinations.  Horse owners are urged to check with their veterinarian to make sure their animals have received current vaccinations and booster shots against EEE and West Nile Virus, and that these shots are kept up to date.

Liz Compton
comptol@doacs.state.fl.us
(850) 488-3022

Contributors/Press

Horse Owners Urged to Vaccinate

Leave a comment

Bronson Urges Horse Owners to Vaccinate Animals for Mosquito-Borne Diseases; Recommends That Humans Take Steps to Protect Themselves

TALLAHASSEE — With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today reminded horse owners to get their animals vaccinated for mosquito borne diseases.

The two principal equine diseases associated with mosquitoes are Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV), and the majority of cases of each can be prevented with proper vaccinations, according to animal health officials.

“The key is to make sure that a horse has been vaccinated against these mosquito-borne diseases and to check with your veterinarian to determine whether an animal’s booster shots are up to date,” Bronson said.

Continue reading Horse Owners Urged to Vaccinate →

Contributors/Press

Prescribed Fires Help Protect Natural Areas

Leave a comment

TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson this week is promoting the awareness of prescribed fire’s vital role in maintaining the health of Florida’s forests and other natural areas, as well as protecting the safety of the state’s residents and visitors.

The Florida Cabinet in 2008 designated the first week in March as “Prescribed Fire Awareness Week.”

“Prescribed fire is a safe way to apply a natural process, ensure ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk,” Bronson said. “Many of our plant and animal communities are dependent on a regular occurrence of fire for a healthy existence.  Prescribed fire provides better forage for wildlife and livestock, returns nutrients to the soil, helps to control certain plant diseases, and reduces hazardous fuel buildups.”

Continue reading Prescribed Fires Help Protect Natural Areas →

Contributors/Press

Bronson Announces Completion of Marion Cty. Plant That Converts Animal Waste to Energy

Leave a comment

metro-talking-DSC09965-200OCALA — Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today announced the completion of an innovative bioenergy project that helps manage animal waste while at the same time producing energy and agriculture products.

Bronson joined a host of public officials and industry representatives at the demonstration of a bio-energy plant owned by Sigarca, Inc., and located at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Marion County.  The facility processes horse manure into renewable energy, organic soil and soil tonic (bio-fertilizers) and gives Florida’s substantial equine industry an environmentally superior method of disposing of animal waste.

“Florida has more than half a million horses, and waste disposal is an increasingly difficult and costly endeavor,” Bronson said.  “In addition to providing a safe and effective waste disposal method, this technology can also move Florida further ahead in efforts to produce clean, renewable energy.” Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=10346