The National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in domesticated swans in Nueces County. As expected by disease experts, HPAI is circulating among wild birds in Texas as fall migration begins for waterbirds and waterfowl. Detected in all states across the U.S. except Hawaii, HPAI is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic birds. The virus can spread directly between animals and indirectly through […]
Texas Department of State Health Services
TPWD Closure of Galveston Bay Oyster Collection Areas
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is closing TX-1 in Galveston Bay to commercial and recreational oyster harvesting beginning at 12:01 a.m. January 17, 2023. This area was previously closed on January 7 by the Texas Department of State Health Services due to elevated lab results. This closure is based on samples recently collected by TPWD showing low abundance of legal-sized oysters. TPWD has worked with the oyster industry to develop criteria for closing areas […]
TPWD to Open Oyster Harvest Area in Matagorda Bay
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is opening TX-20 in Matagorda Bay to commercial and recreational oyster harvest beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20. Based on samples recently collected by TPWD, the area meets criteria for reopening. These criteria include parameters for oysters reaching certain thresholds based on the abundance of legal-sized oysters (3 inches or greater) and the percentage of small oysters (2-2.9 inches). All areas currently closed to harvest will continue […]
Harris County Public Health has instructed all establishments in Harris County to stop serving oysters from Harvest Area TX-1
On December 9, 2022, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) issued a recall for all oysters harvested from the Harvest Area TX-1 within the Galveston Bay after reports of gastrointestinal illness among people who consumed oysters harvested from those waters. Cases have been reported in Florida and in Texas, including Harris County. DSHS also shut down that area for oyster harvesting. To read the full DSHS release, click here. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has […]
Fiscal Notes: Drivers Wanted – Texas Trucking Strives to Stay on the Move
About 3.5 million truck drivers, with an average age of 46, are on U.S. roadways, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. By 2030, more than half of current truck drivers will have passed retirement age. In the recently released March/April issue of Fiscal Notes, the Comptroller’s office looks at looming labor shortages in the trucking industry. “You may have heard the trucking industry is struggling to attract and retain employees. Big rig trucks […]
WGU’s College of Health Professions Earns Center of Excellence Designation
National League for Nursing Recognizes Excellence in Enhancing Student Learning and Professional Development Western Governors University’s (WGU) College of Health Professions has been designated a 2021 Center of Excellence for Enhanced Student Learning and Professional Development by the National League for Nursing (NLN). The recognition is given to schools of nursing, schools within a system, and health care organizations that have achieved a level of excellence in one of four designated areas. The Center of Excellence […]
Harris County Launches On Demand COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment System; 55,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Now Available for the Week of April 19
Harris County Public Health Transitions from Waitlist System to Offering Residents Appointment Options Immediately Upon Signing Up; Unvaccinated Residents Strongly Encouraged To Sign Up Now at ReadyHarris.org Harris County Public Health (HCPH) today announced that it has opened 55,000 COVID-19 vaccines for the week of April 19th. In response to vaccine supply starting to meet demand, residents who sign up for a vaccine from HCPH will now be given appointment options immediately after registering for a […]
Harris County Public Health Expands Vaccine Registration Process with New COVID-19 Vaccination Portal
‘Smart Waitlist’ System to Ensure Efficient, Fair, and Equitable Registration Process for Eligible Residents; County Has Currently Vaccinated 27,426 Individuals Starting on Tuesday, January 26th, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) will launch a new COVID-19 Vaccination Portal for residents who meet the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) criteria for receiving a vaccine. The portal will allow individuals to be placed on a waitlist and contacted once vaccines and appointments are available. The waitlist […]
Eligible Phase 1a Individuals To Receive Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
Following the arrival of additional COVID-19 vaccines from the state, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is now in the process of administering doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to eligible Phase 1a individuals. On December 23rd, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) delivered 3,000 doses to HCPH to support county efforts to vaccinate eligible recipients who may not already be served by the first round of the Pfizer vaccine. As part of this […]