Cases of a severe fungal infection called blastomycosis are increasing along the North Shore and areas of northern Minnesota. 

Blastomycosis is an infection caused by a fungus called blastomyces and can infect humans and animals. It is commonly found in the northern regions of Minnesota and along areas such as the St. Croix River, Mississippi River, and surrounding Great Lakes. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the infection usually occurs by breathing in spores of the fungi that are generally found in moist soils, particularly in wooded areas, such as boreal forests and along waterways. 

In this week's episode of the Outdoor News Podcast, host Kalli Hawkins speaks with Malia Ireland, a senior epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health, and Dr. Nadder Samari, the owner and veterinarian at Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic in Grand Marais, about the increase in Cook County and Minnesota reported cases of blastomycosis in dogs.

Blastomycosis Reports Increasing In Dogs In Northern Minnesota

May 18 Larry Weber Observations

NWN May 21

On a perfectly calm Friday morning in the middle of May, not far from the Grand Marais municipal marina, retired school teacher Art Kidd is making final preparations to launch his custom-built houseboat into the scenic harbor. For many folks in Grand Marais this event signifies the beginning of summer.

Art and Beth Kidd moved to Cook County in the early 70’s, marking almost 5 decades of off-grid living. Their committment to sustainable energy on the land has carried over to their life on the water. Their solar-powered houseboat is called the HMS Pontoon, for "Home Made Solar."

WTIP's Chuck Olsen joined Art in launching their houseboat for the 16th time on Friday, May 17.

Summer begins with Art and Beth Kidd's houseboat launch

Mark Zierath performs beautiful fingerstyle guitar on Scenic Route

Schroeder Township May Meeting - Tina McKeever

Lutsen Township May Meeting - Lollie Cooper

Le Grand Du Nord Update - Jeremy Kershaw

Dr. Jon Oliver talks tick season

Preventing Lyme disease with public health educator Andrea Tofte

WTIP is the community radio station serving Minnesota's North Shore. We share a variety of outdoor news content from the region, including Lake Superior, Isle Royale and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. From fishing and hunting to environmental issues, this locally-produced podcast covers important outdoor news relevant to our broad community of listeners.

Blastomycosis Reports Increasing In Dogs In Northern Minnesota

WTIP Outdoor News Podcast

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