LaRocca, New Director of Communications, Encouraged by VGCC’s ‘Fresh Approach’
Christopher LaRocca, director of communications for Vance-Granville Community College, was the guest of honor on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program.
LaRocca, who joined the college in March after 15 years with Duke University, said his own experience as a graduate of North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, New York made the possibility of working for VGCC appealing.
“Vance-Granville is giving me another opportunity to give back to the community college system that gave so much to me,” LaRocca said. “I gained valuable tools learning how to manage my time, learning how to focus academically, and then using those skills at a four-year college and in my career.”
In addition to Duke University, LaRocca’s career includes stints with the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and USA Basketball Men’s National Team.
While LaRocca believes his educational path was the key to success in his career, he agrees that everyone must define success in their own terms – an opportunity readily offered by the community college system.
“I’m a big proponent of education. I’m a big advocate of getting a four-year degree and even going on to get a master’s degree; however, I’m also aware that college isn’t for everyone. Sometimes getting a two-year degree in a skill or trade is enough to be successful,” stated LaRocca.
While less than two months into his new position, LaRocca said he is encouraged by the positive growth he has already witnessed under the leadership of VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. Desmarais, who previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, joined VGCC as the institution’s seventh president in January.
“I love the new, fresh approach at the college. Dr. Desmarais has some wonderful ideas in terms of restructuring and her view on where the college could be in the next few years.”
In a recent Town Talk interview with WIZS, Desmarais explained her vision promoted economic turnaround by helping the four-county area transition “from tobacco and old-style manufacturing into healthcare and biotech innovation.”
Part of that vision, according to LaRocca, is promoting new programs at the college to ensure students have the skills needed to be eligible for emerging career opportunities in the local area.
Two of VGCC’s newest programs – Healthcare Informatics and Cyber Security – will be offered as certificate and associate degree programs through the Information Technology Department beginning fall 2019.
“We are making strides to create new programs so there is something available for everyone. I encourage the community to check out our website frequently (www.vgcc.edu) for updates,” said LaRocca.
LaRocca also invites the community to attend upcoming events at VGCC, including:
- A “Community Engagement Night” event at the Main Campus in Henderson on Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m.
- A Dinner Theater production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy “Company” is scheduled for the evenings of Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26.
- The 35th Annual Endowment Fund Golf Tournament is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at the Henderson Country Club.
To hear the Town Talk interview with LaRocca in its entirety, click here. LaRocca’s portion of the interview begins at the 10:00 mark.
Reminder: Vance Co. Hazardous Waste Collection & Recycling Event Next Sat.!
-Information and flyer courtesy the Vance County Appearance Commission
The annual Vance County Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Recycling Day event will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the City Operations Center at 900 South Beckford Drive in Henderson. The event is free and open to all residents of Vance County.
The event provides a safe and responsible way for local residents to dispose of unwanted old paints, insecticides and pesticides, as well as old medications, televisions and computer hardware. It also provides a way for residents to securely shred unwanted or old personal documents and properly recycle appropriate household items.
Residents can simply bring their materials for disposal and recycling to the event on April 27, and volunteers will be on hand to assist in unloading the items from residents’ vehicles and getting them to the proper vendor.
Vendors scheduled to be on hand at the event include:
- Ecoflow and N.C. Department of Agriculture officials to accept paints, pesticides, batteries, cleaners, light tubes, propane gas cylinders, fire extinguishers and mixed solvents;
- Vance County Sheriff’s Department deputies to accept prescription drugs, antibiotics, pain medications, allergy medications and any over-the-counter unwanted medications;
- Local Government Federal Credit Union officials with a shredding truck to securely shred at the site any personal, important documents;
- Waste Industries bins to collect old or unwanted televisions, computer monitors and computer CPUs;
- Waste Industries bins to collect cardboard, metal and aluminum cans, plastic bottles and containers, glass bottles and containers, newsprint and magazines.
This event is for local residential customers and not designed to take items from businesses or industries.
For additional information on the Collection and Recycling Day, residents may contact Jason Falls, Vance County Environmental Services director, at 252-738-2090 or jfalls@vancecounty.org.
Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market to Open Season With Spring Fling
-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market
Mark your calendar. The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is gearing up for a new season of fresh local produce and crafts. The market opens Saturday, April 27, 2019, with our Produce, Plants & Crafts Spring Fling from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Spring Fling Market will feature numerous craft vendors, bedding plants for the garden including vegetables, herbs and flowers as well as locally grown spring produce.
There will also be baked goods, estate wine, canned goods, pasture-raised beef, pork, eggs and honey for sale.
We have a fabulous lineup of vendors at this year’s Spring Fling including many of our “old faithfuls” and a number of new vendors. Here’s a list of what you will find at the Spring Fling:
Adcock’s Farm: Seasonal produce, canned goods, honey
Backroad Farm & Vineyard: Seasonal produce, estate wine, plants, loofahs, gourds
Barn Wood Furniture by Maul-N-Wedge: Furniture & crafts made from reclaimed barn wood
BL Creations: Hand sewn bibs, towels, pot holders, potato pouches, bowl coozies, pillows, aprons, towel sets and more
Cakes Delish: Cupcakes, cookies, artisan molded marshmallows
Colorful Creations: Embroidery items, clothing, home decor, stained glass and more
The Cotton Boll: Crocheted & knitted baby items, decorative wood plaques, luminaries, pillows, decorative lighted glass blocks and more
Creative Gifts for Missions: Slumped wine bottles, lighted wine bottles, cheese spreaders, memory pillows, painted porcelain items, wood crafts and more
Culver Products & Services: Handmade woodcraft boxes and cabinets
Dixon & Sons Farms: Seasonal Produce featuring spring strawberries, pasture raised pork, hemp products, bedding plants
The Eclectic Peacock: Crocheted & sewn home goods, bowl coozies, soaps, throw pillow covers, napkins, table runners, hand painted glassware, bath bombs and more
Faulkner Family Farms: Pork products, produce and cut flowers
Hand Made by Jackie: Crocheted clothing items, washcloths, birdhouses and more
Imperial Stitching: Table mats, kitchen mats, lanyards, table runners, burp cloths and more
Jerri’s Things: Crocheted & knitted handmade items including vests, scarves, hats, jewelry, baby sweater sets, shawls and more
Junk Drawer Designs: Sandblasted glassware, handpainted signs, custom decals, fairy gardens, shadowboxes, cups, mugs, clothing items and onesies
JW Creek Farms: Pasture-raised beef, eggs and bag holders
Laureen’s Creations: Wreaths, bows and floral arrangements
O’Reilly’s Sauces: Caribbean jerk sauce, brown sauce, honey and blackstrap molasses
Pretty Tough Stuff: Jewelry, sewn items, rock art, cut flowers, wood crafts, crocheted items, photo art, produce, eggs, home decor including pillows, suncatchers, flags and more
Professional Art by Janet Lumpkin Winebarger: Pet portraits, jewelry sets, paintings and more
Ruthie Loves Ronnie: Jewelry, decorated item and cheeseboards
Sachs Woodcrafts, LLC: Hand-turned wood items, bowls, cutting boards, breadboards, knives, pens, wine bottle stoppers, salt & pepper mills, duck calls, rings and more
Short’s Farm: produce and cut flowers
Silent Josh Woodworking/Rustic Vibes: Exotic wooden jewelry, cutting boards, candle holders, coasters, beard balm, oil and combs
Stone Bridge Farms, LLC: Produce
Threads Connected Plus Paper: Purses, wallets, cardholders, cord wraps, greeting cards, bookmarks, memo stations and more
Woodwick Designs: Handmade soy wax scented candles and melts
Yummy Little Cakes: Baked items including cupcakes, scones, muffins, bundlettes, cakelettes, cinnamon rolls, mini Victoria sponge cakes and more
2019 VCRFM Schedule:
May 4 – 25: The Farmers Market will be open Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
May 29 – September 30: The Farmers Market will be open Wednesdays and Saturdays 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
October 1 – December 7: The Farmers Market will be open Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Special Events: Our Master Gardeners return to the market providing gardening advice on Saturdays throughout the season. They will also be hosting the dedication of the Master Gardeners’ Memorial Garden at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market in May.
Stay tuned for additional dates & times of special events!
Contacts:
Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814
Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188
Vance County Regional Farmers Market – 210 Southpark Dr. Henderson, NC
**If you or your business need a venue for your dinners and parties, the VCRFM is available for rent! Contact our Market Manager**
(This is not a paid advertisement)
VGCC Names 134 Students to Fall Semester Dean’s List
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 134 students earned Dean’s List academic honors for the fall 2018 semester.
To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student had to earn a GPA that was at least 3.5 but less than 4.0, and have no grade lower than “B,” while carrying a “full load” (at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses.
*WIZS posted the list of VGCC fall President’s List recipients on Thursday, April 18 (click here).
Fall Semester Dean’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.
Accounting & Finance:
Jason A. Murphy of Franklinton;
Trina M. Leapley of Louisburg.
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:
Ernest F. Hill, III, and Tyrell Terry, both of Henderson;
Zavious D. Oakley of Oxford.
Associate in Arts:
Clay T. Boyd, Christyn M. Campbell, Sarah J. Jones and Brandi M. Umstead, all of Creedmoor;
Rebecca K. Middleton and Kimberly Ross, both of Franklinton;
Viridiana Chavez, Emani’ D. Foster, Viviana Hernandez, Sarah E. Howarth, Henry Huynh, Kristyn M. Medlin, Josie M. Roberson, Daquan M. Southerland, William A. Strickland, Hannah D. Wells, Corey K. Williams, Jr., Haley L. Williams and Al-Leain I. Young, all of Henderson;
Tiffany M. Frank, Rebekah L. Varker and Gracey R. Vaught, all of Kittrell;
Robert J. Holovnia of Louisburg;
Christy L. Beasley, Sherman I. Booker, Savannah L. Brogden, Laci A. Davidson, U’lia K. Hargrove, Asmaa Kassim, Kristie Lumpkin, Erin P. Whitt and Alexander C. Wilkinson, all of Oxford;
Kamiyah E. Wiggins of Townsville;
Josiah A. Trotter of Youngsville.
Associate in General Education – General Science:
Dakota M. Chabala of Franklinton;
Carly M. West of Littleton;
Vlada Balalova of Louisburg;
Kylie M. Blackwell of Timberlake;
Robyn N. Perry of Zebulon.
Associate in Science:
Astrid Portillo-Granado of Creedmoor;
Jacklyn C. Stanley of Durham;
James Geary and Kayla D. Romig, both of Franklinton;
William Z. Egerton, Shawn A. Faulkner and Evin F. Swilley, all of Henderson;
Maggie E. Dickerson and Brooklyn F. Fuller, both of Oxford;
Lindsay Fenlason of Wake Forest;
Quavion C. Basyden of Willard;
MacKenzie S. Clifford of Youngsville.
Automotive Systems Technology:
Brandon M. Sparrow of Creedmoor;
Justin T. Reavis of Henderson.
Business Administration:
Syreeta D. Scott-Jernigan of Franklinton;
Jennifer S. Crabtree of Kittrell;
Adero B. Bullock of Louisburg.
Cosmetology:
Megan L. Sandell of Creedmoor;
Hunter M. Boykin and Bridgett N. King, both of Franklinton;
Shelly C. Benson, Angel N. Bradford and Irina Z. Letts, all of Henderson;
Megan L. Twisdale of Kittrell;
Ashley J. Bennett of Louisburg;
Logan B. Breedlove of Oxford;
Jazmin L. King of Rougemont;
Rachel A. Savage of Wake Forest;
Danielle K. Hargrove and Brittney Wray, both of Warrenton;
Sydney G. Sakoman of Youngsville.
Criminal Justice:
Carly J. Minor of Butner;
Salvador I. Manjarrez Moli of Creedmoor;
Amali N. Elayah, Kalin D. Jackson, Keyla Lewis and Dylan Sanford, all of Henderson;
Brooke T. Bendel of Louisburg;
Sherese L. Hicks of Macon;
Abdon A. Silva and Matthew A. Smith, both of Oxford;
Addison U. Dinglasan of Youngsville.
Early Childhood Education:
Courtney Crute of Bullock;
Milena F. Nelsen of Franklinton;
Rochelle D. Williams of Henderson;
Melissa C. Ayscue and Ellen M. Young, both of Louisburg.
Electrical Systems Technology:
Jacob I. Mitchell of Oxford.
Electronics Engineering Technology:
Dakota L. Hodnett of Oxford.
Histotechnology:
Rawia Dafalla of Raleigh.
Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:
Gloria J. Chavis of Butner;
Grace A. Ohlandt of Franklinton.
Information Technology:
Christian E. Colon and Cody R. Hassell, both of Creedmoor;
Koty R. Glover, Colin Hope and Andrew M. Watkins, all of Henderson;
Spencer B. Duncan of Louisburg;
Emily Durling of Oxford;
Courtney L. Faison of Wake Forest.
Medical Assisting:
Ashley R. Hill of Henderson;
Crystal C. Williams of Louisburg.
Medical Office Administration:
Caroline P. Williamson of Bullock;
Savannah N. Jones, Kaitlyn T. Pojman and Galesia E. Williams, all of Durham;
Margaret Avery, Anna D. Davis, Cassidy J. Grissom, Raeann Johnson, Maryjo M. Parks and Shirley B. Spivey, all of Henderson;
Holly R. Heston of Louisburg;
Lisha T. Harris and Keshonda A. McMannen, both of Oxford;
Amy C. Hildebran of Warrenton.
Paralegal Technology:
Emari N. Ragland of Henderson;
Evelyn Nolasco of Louisburg.
Pharmacy Technology:
Jane M. Jones of Franklinton;
Fnu Monika of Roanoke Rapids.
Radiography:
Frantz Alexis of Chapel Hill;
Matthew S. Battistel, Dwayne D. Huneycutt and Paige D. Snider, all of Creedmoor;
Brooklyn Rooker of Henderson;
Rubi J. Coyote Baizabal of Roxboro;
Sabrina E. Bedard of Wake Forest;
Megan T. Whitman of Youngsville.
Welding Technology:
Michael D. Perry of Bunn;
Edmund M. Goulet of Oxford.
Kerr Lake Country Club to Celebrate 55 Years With ‘Business After Hours’
-Information courtesy the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
To celebrate their 55th anniversary, Kerr Lake County Club will host a “Business After Hours” event on Monday, April 29, 2019, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. All chamber members of Granville County and Vance County are invited to network, enjoy light refreshments, cold beverages and door prizes.
Please RSVP to Sandra at the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 – sandra@hendersonvance.org or 252-438-8414.
Westwood Church to Give Away Free Car Easter Sunday!
Phil Collins, senior pastor of Westwood Church in Henderson, was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the church’s upcoming free car giveaway planned for Easter Sunday.
Formerly known as Westwood Pentecostal Holiness, the church located at 621 US 158 Bypass in Henderson will be giving away a reconditioned 2005 Honda Civic and a $100 gas card to one attendee at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, April 21, 2019.
Titling the service “God, I need a miracle,” Collins explained that the winner of the car will need to have a valid driver’s license, attend the morning worship service, complete a “connect” card with their name, phone number and address information and write down why they need a miracle.
“We want to keep the process of selecting a winner simple,” said Collins. “We will take up cards during the offering and put all cards in a basket. The church will pray over it and ask God to help us pull the most deserving card. I will then ask someone from the audience to come and pull a card and that person will be the winner.”
Collins said the idea of a car giveaway came to him after speaking with a waitress at a local restaurant.
“I found out that the young lady walks three miles to work every day. As I’ve been through the city and talked to different people, I’m amazed at the number of people who do not have transportation.”
In the spirit of the Easter season, Collins said, “God laid it on my heart, specifically, to provide someone who has a need of transportation. I said, ‘Lord, if this is real and I need to do this for the community, you’re going to have to provide a way.’ Lo and behold, someone who used to visit our church started visiting again, and they heard my heart and vision and said they wanted to donate a reconditioned car.”
Collins said he has faith that the “right person” will attend the Easter service and will receive the blessing of much-needed transportation.
“I really believe that the right person that needs to be blessed is going to show up. All they have to do is fill out the card so the church may stay in contact with them after the service and have faith. They just may be the recipient of a 2005 Honda Civic.”
Collins and the congregation also hope that members of the local community will attend Sunday’s service and possibly discover a new church home.
“We love people no matter who they are, what they’ve gone through, where they come from or what color they are; it really doesn’t matter. I’ve said in my ministry for years, ‘if you come to the church, we’re going to love you and you can’t do a thing about it.’ We’re going to love you in Jesus’ name.”
To hear the Town Talk interview with Pastor Phil Collins in its entirety, click here.
VGCC Names 79 Students to Fall Semester President’s List
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College has announced that 79 students earned President’s List academic honors for the fall 2018 semester.
The President’s List recognizes students who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade-point average (GPA) while carrying a “full load” (at least 12 credit hours) in 100-level or higher curriculum courses.
*WIZS will post the list of VGCC fall Dean’s List recipients on Friday, April 19.
Fall Semester President’s List honorees are listed below by program of study and then by residence.
Accounting & Finance:
Alicia D. Hinton of Castalia;
Abigail S. Pruitt of Oxford.
Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology:
Christian A. Dockum and Ethan D. Hughes, both of Creedmoor.
Associate in Arts:
Austin M. Councilman of Creedmoor;
Joshua I. Horton of Franklinton;
Kaitlyn M. Harris, Dylan T. Jackson, Jadyn M. Jones, Josiah Jones and Caroline A. Nutt, all of Henderson;
Wesley T. Beach and Matthew D. Varker, both of Kittrell;
Pamela R. Campbell of Littleton;
Jacob N. Carver, Ker’Telian S. Fields and Calli S. Massey, all of Oxford;
Lily R. Averette of Rougemont;
Conner G. Bryant of Warrenton;
Taylor N. Wagaman of Youngsville.
Associate in General Education – General Science:
Victoria K. Swain of Durham;
Kyra E. Corrigan of Wake Forest.
Associate in Science:
Shadi M. Nagi of Henderson;
Rewees A. Ebrahim of Oxford;
Kayla M. Blue of Stem;
Heather L. Gwin and Heidy Labra-Franco, both of Warrenton;
Emily J. Bauer of Youngsville.
Automotive Systems Technology:
David D. Bragg of Franklinton;
Toby J. Bradsher, III, of Henderson;
Branden S. Lilley of Louisburg;
Cesar L. Vazquez of Oxford;
Xavier Durham of Warrenton.
Business Administration:
Charlene A. Kearney of Creedmoor;
Holly R. Buchanan of Henderson.
Cosmetology:
Kandace N. Rutter of Creedmoor;
Jennifer H. Bruner, Jamie L. Moody and Samantha B. Williamson, all of Franklinton;
MacKenzie D. Hutson, Chelsea L. Jones, Dasha S. Kearney and Skylar N. Mulhollen, all of Henderson;
Anna M. Wood of Louisburg;
Monet L. Faucett of Norlina;
Kathleen R. Feinman of Rolesville;
Samantha J. Tackema of Wake Forest;
Janice P. Shehata of Warrenton;
Kelley R. Oakley of Youngsville.
Criminal Justice:
Tanya Beal Smith of Butner;
Adrianna M. De Nuzzia of Creedmoor;
Alexis R. Lincoln of Franklinton;
Gricel Arroyo and Kimberly R. Smith, both of Louisburg;
Andrew L. Ayscue of Youngsville.
Culinary Arts:
Dominique A. Winters of Creedmoor;
Sonya K. Jackson of Franklinton.
Early Childhood Education:
Brittaniana M. Channell and Stephanie L. Griffin, both of Creedmoor;
Lakee’ D. Steed of Henderson;
Catherine A. Mendell of Oxford.
Histotechnology:
Melissa B. Anderson of Butner.
Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse:
Allyson D. Dellea of Kittrell;
Kelly F. Yarborough of McLeansville;
Tiffiney Whitt of Roxboro.
Information Technology:
Douglas Boulia of Creedmoor;
Joseph T. Hedgepeth of Henderson;
Ebony Thomas of Kittrell;
Brandon Vestweber of Wake Forest.
Mechatronics Engineering Technology:
Herbert H. Davis of Henderson.
Medical Office Administration:
Kimberly C. Cagney of Creedmoor;
Kelsey B. Ivey of Henderson;
Danielle N. Enright and Elizabeth L. Wiggins, both of Louisburg.
Office Administration:
Mia N. Wireman of Creedmoor.
Practical Nursing:
Mary W. Wanjiku of Cary.
Radiography:
Kacie L. Gann of Durham.
Welding Technology:
Lacy E. Hidalgo-Gato of Franklinton;
Matthew K. Hamilton of Louisburg.
Reminder: Eichner to Perform at McGregor Hall Friday Evening
-Information courtesy McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center
A Part of the Classical and Chamber Performance Series
Pianist Solomon Eichner will be performing at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson on Friday, April 19, 2019, at 8 p.m.
Declared by the American Liszt Society as “A sensitive pianist, Solomon’s playing is poetic, beautiful and moving with deep feeling.” Equally at home with solo, chamber and concerto performances, American pianist Solomon Eichner has established himself as an exciting versatile artist known for his commanding interpretations of the romantic keyboard repertoire.
Solomon performed for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in April 2018 alongside Cellist Amit Peled and Violinist Yevgeny Kutik at the Krakow Philharmonic Hall in addition to a solo recital at the Krakow Jewish Cultural Center.
Pianist Solomon Eichner will perform at the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson on Friday, April 19, 2019, at 8 p.m. Eichner’s performance is part of McGregor Hall’s Classical and Chamber Performance Series. (Photo courtesy McGregor Hall)
Solomon debuted at Carnegie Hall in April 2016 after winning the “GoldenKey Debut” International Competition in New York City.
Solomon won 2nd prize in the 2016 Miami Music Festival’s Concerto Competition resulting in his Miami debut recital at the Steinway Piano Gallery Coral Gables.
Solomon participated in the 2017 Hastings International Piano Competition in England as well as the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition in Palm Springs, California.
Solomon won 2nd prize at the 2013 Liszt-Garrison International Piano Competition and 2nd prize and Chinese Award in the 2013 International Young Artists Competition at Catholic University in D.C.
Originally from Baltimore, Solomon studied privately in Maryland with Irene Kreymer, Reynaldo Reyes and Virginia Reinecke. Solomon graduated with his Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music having studied with Arkady Aronov and Master of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory studying with Alexander Shtarkman. Solomon received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of South Carolina in May 2017. He held a position as staff accompanist with a full scholarship. Solomon studied with Dr. Marina Lomazov and Dr. Joseph Rackers. Solomon’s dissertation is on the Jewish Soviet repressed pianist/composer Samuil Feinberg.
Solomon and his wife Becky recently relocated to Raleigh where he is on staff at Campbell University.
Website: www.solomoneichnerpianist.com
** Originally, this concert was to feature Pianist Gregory Knight, but due to unforeseen circumstances, Mr. Knight will be unable to perform.**
Tickets may be purchased by:
DROP IN: 201 Breckenridge Street, Henderson, N.C. Monday – Friday 1:30 – 5:30 p.m
CALL: (252) 598-0662 (M-F 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.)
CLICK HERE: www.McGregorHall.org (Use the eTix official site, online fees apply)
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Troxler Encourages Horse Owners to Vaccinate Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases
-Press Release, NCDA&CS
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging horse owners to have their animals vaccinated against Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus.
“April until November is prime mosquito-breeding season in North Carolina and when horses are at risk if not properly vaccinated,” Troxler said. “EEE is fatal 90 percent of the time in horses and WNV has a fatality rate of 30 percent. Both diseases are preventable by vaccination.”
Last year, North Carolina saw its first case of EEE in July. There were seven recorded cases of EEE and five cases of WNV in horses in North Carolina in 2018, but the mild winter could cause that number to go up this year, State Veterinarian Doug Meckes said. Meckes recommends that equine owners talk to their veterinarians about an effective vaccination protocol to protect horses from mosquito-borne diseases. The combination vaccination initially requires multiple injections for horses, mules and donkeys that have no prior vaccination history.
Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts for more than four days, so removing any source of standing water can reduce the chance of exposing animals to WNV or EEE. Keeping horses in stalls at night, using insect screens and fans and turning off lights after dusk can also help reduce exposure to mosquitoes. Insect repellants can be effective if used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Symptoms of EEE include impaired vision, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, inability to swallow, irregular staggering gait, paralysis, convulsions and death. Once a horse has been bitten by an infected mosquito, it may take three to 10 days for symptoms to appear.
Symptoms of WNV include fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, impaired vision, head pressing, seizures and aimless wandering.
“If your horses or other equine animals exhibit any symptoms of EEE or WNV, contact your veterinarian immediately,” Meckes said.
People, horses and birds can become infected from a bite by a mosquito carrying the diseases, but there is no evidence that horses can transmit the viruses to other horses, birds or people through direct contact.
“It’s also a great time to make sure your animal is current on its rabies vaccination,” Troxler said. “In North Carolina, we see about five cases of rabies in livestock each year. Horses are naturally curious animals, which puts them at risk for a bite if a rabid animal gets through their fence line.”