Collinsville Turkey Trot
PAGE 8A November 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in cooperation with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has confirmed Eurasian H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in wild black vultures in Montgomery County, Alabama. This is the second confirmation of HPAI in Alabama. In February 2022, a singular case of a wild, hunter harvested American wigeon tested positive in Limestone County. In a statement from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier said: “We are aware of this detection and are partnering with ADCNR to assist in response. All poultry owners and growers should be reminded to maintain strict biosecurity and to report any sick birds to our office. For more information about poultry biosecurity and how to report sick birds, please go to our website www.agi. alabama.gov.” Eurasian H5 HPAI was detected in the United States in January 2022 in South Carolina and has since been detected in 48 additional states, including Alabama. HPAI H5 viruses infect the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of birds, can spread rapidly, and cause high mortality in infected poultry. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk to humans from Eurasian H5 HPAI is low. For more information about the risk of avian influenza to humans, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5n1-virus.htm. The USDA monitors for the disease in commercial poultry operations, live bird markets, and migratory wild bird populations. Samples were collected for testing from a publicly reported die-off of black vultures in Montgomery County. Preliminary tests performed at the Mississippi Veterinary Research and Diagnostic Lab discovered the non-negative cases, which were then confirmed positive for H5 HPAI by the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Wild birds can be infected with avian influenza without appearing sick. The public should avoid contact with any dead or dying bird. If contact occurs, wash your hands with soap and water and change clothing before having any contact with healthy domestic poultry and other birds. Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field when possible and practice good hygiene to prevent any potential disease spread. Remains from processed birds can be buried where the animal was harvested or double bagged and disposed along with normal household waste. The public is encouraged to report dead or dying bird sightings to ADCNR for collection and testing. To report a sighting, call ADCNR’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division at (334) 242-3469. For info regarding HPAI and domestic poultry, contact the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Contact information is available at www.agi.alabama.gov. Black Vultures Test Positive for Avian Influenza
Photos by Brandon K. Pierce, Alabama Ledger
Serve Up Smiles with Favorite Holiday Sides FAMILY FEATURES T urkey and ham may sit centerstage, but classic holiday sides can make the season truly special. You can bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces by dishing out those favorite recipes everyone asks for year after year.
Made with a delicious combination of rice, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup and broccoli florets, this quick and easy version of Broccoli and Cheese Rice Casserole is an ideal one-pot dish to keep the holidays simple. With three easy steps and everyday ingredients, it comes together with minimal effort for traditional casserole taste. When it comes to feeding a crowd, it’s often best to let your oven do the work. This Brussels Sprouts and Ham Rice Gratin recipe allows you to serve up a filling favorite with little effort using pantry staples. Plus, it’s a kid-friendly way to encourage veggies at this year’s holiday meal with gooey cheese providing tempting taste bud motivation. These seasonal classics and more are made quick and easy with an option like Success Boil- in-Bag Rice, a pre-measured, mess-free way to make fluffy, high-quality rice. It’s cooked by simply dropping a bag of rice in a pot of water or broth then boiling it for 10 minutes. BPA-free and FDA-approved, the bags are safe to use and made to withstand high temperatures. An added bonus: If you’re aiming to achieve a particular flavor, just season the rice by cooking in water infused with herbs, spices, broth, coconut milk or other liquids like juice for sweeter recipes. Visit SuccessRice.com to find more holiday recipe inspiration. Broccoli and Cheese Rice Casserole Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4-6 1 bag Success White Rice or Brown Rice nonstick cooking spray 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup 2 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided 1/2 cup evaporated milk 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1 tablespoon grated onion 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Prepare rice according to package directions. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine soup, broccoli, 1 cup cheddar cheese, evaporated milk, butter, onion, salt and pepper. Fold in rice. Pour mixture into prepared dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake 20 minutes.
Brussels Sprouts and Ham Rice Gratin
Brussels Sprouts and Ham Rice Gratin
1/3 cup breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons butter, melted Preheat oven to 450 F. Prepare rice according to package directions. In large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts, ham, garlic, olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place on parchment paper-lined baking tray and roast 12-15 minutes, or until caramelized. Decrease oven temperature to 425 F. In large bowl, toss rice, Brussels sprouts mixture, cream, chives, Dijon mustard, remaining salt and remaining pepper. Stir in cheddar and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Transfer mixture to greased, 2-quart baking dish. In small bowl, stir breadcrumbs, remaining Parmesan and melted butter. Sprinkle over rice mixture. Bake 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 4
1 bag Success White Rice 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 1/3 cup diced ham 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons finely
chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Broccoli and Cheese Rice Casserole
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