Tioga County Public Health

Keeping backyard poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and turkeys) is becoming more popular. People enjoy raising baby poultry including chicks, ducklings, goslings, and poults. Many people keep chickens to have fresh eggs. Although keeping backyard poultry can be fun and educational, owners should be aware that poultry can sometimes carry harmful germs that make people sick. These germs can cause a variety of illnesses in people, ranging from minor skin infections t...o serious illnesses that could cause death. One of the best ways to protect yourself from getting sick is to wash your hands thoroughly right after touching poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam. Whether you are building your first coop or are a seasoned backyard poultry owner, you should know the risks of keeping poultry and the simple things you can do to stay safe including: - Washing your hands after touching backyard poultry or anything in the area where they live - Be safe around poultry and don't snuggle or let them into your house - Handle eggs safely - Supervise kids while around live poultry, especially baby chicks and ducklings - Prevent bird bites and scratches For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov//pe/farm-animals/backyard-poultry.html.

Today, Governor Cuomo announced that a large number of the state-mandated COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted, effective immediately, as a result of 70% of adult New Yorkers receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Please note that masks are still required for unvaccinated individuals, and the state's health guidelines continue to be inn effect for large-scale indoor event venues, pre-K through grade 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and health care settings, according to CDC guidelines. The full announcement can be found at https://www.governor.ny.gov//governor-cuomo-announces-covi

Here's what you should do if you or your pet encounter wildlife and are bitten, scratched, or exposed to its saliva.

Monday, June 14th is World Blood Donor Day! Visit redcrossblood.org to find a donation site near you! World Blood Donor Day is recognized annually on June 14th to thank blood donors around the world for their voluntary, unpaid contributions which ultimately save lives and contribute to better health. It also serves as a call to action for more people all over the world to donate blood on a regular basis. Safe blood, blood products, and their transfusions are an essential aspe...ct of care and public health saving millions of lives and improving the health and quality of life for many every day. In Tioga County, there are on average 115-120 individual blood donations per month. Prior to Covid, Tioga County had 1,550-2,110 donations per year. Tioga County Public Health encourages all residents who are able to donate blood to please do so. Donations are used as transfusions for women with pregnancy complications, children with severe anemia, people with severe trauma after accidents, many complex medical and surgical procedures, and cancer patients, just to name a few! Blood is in continuous need because it can only be stored for a limited amount of time before use. Regular blood donations are needed to ensure that a safe blood supply is available whenever and wherever needed. In preparation of donating blood, be sure to review eligibility requirements, have a proper photo ID, eat iron rich foods like red meat, spinach, and poultry, and drink an extra 16oz of water. There are additional guidelines that you should be aware of, which can be found by visiting redcrossblood.org. You can also find a local blood drive or blood donation center there.

Make sure your children are protected from lead poisoning!