From the EDEN CHAIR
As this issue of the newsletter highlights some of EDEN’s flood resources, I am reminded of something I came to realize several years ago. For many of you this won’t be a surprise, but I started to draw parallels between river flooding, as opposed to flash flooding, and droughts. Both of the events tend to build over time and take an exceptional emotional toll because those affected are generally powerless to do anything to change the outcome. I contrast that with the tornado recovery in Gifford and Washington, IL which I have been observing since November 17. At a simplistic level, the tornado strikes, survivors are accounted for and the clean-up and rebuilding begins often in just a day or two. That’s not to say that there isn’t an emotional toll with the tornadoes. There certainly is the loss of cherished possessions, upheaval in your life and the frustration of dealing with the government and insurers; but it seems different. The light at the end of the proverbial tunnel is pretty much there from the start in a tornado. With river floods and droughts, it is rarely apparent that recovery is around the corner until the water starts to drop or there are several consecutive months of good rain. Regardless of our particular field of expertise, we all need to be aware of the emotional needs of those we are attempting to assist. EDEN has some resources in this area. We could always use more, so if you have some, get in touch. Here’s to a safe Spring for all.
In this Issue
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Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) made a surprise appearance in the United States in spring 2013. Caused by a distant (viral) cousin of Transmissible Gastroenteritis (TGE), the disease presents similarly with rapid dehydration resulting in a high percentage of deaths in young piglets.During the first half of February 2014, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, North Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana accounted for the sources of the most new positive test results reported through the National Animal Health Laboratory Network. Since June 2013 the number of states affected has climbed from 14 to 25 as of February 2014.