Recent surveillance for rabies in the raccoon population near Columbiana in Shelby County has revealed three positive cases. The current area of focus includes a two-mile radius around the Beeswax Creek boat launch area, where the most recent of the positive raccoons was discovered.

The ongoing surveillance is being conducted by the USDA Wildlife Services (WS) along with the Alabama Department of Public Health. The surveillance began in response to a rabid puppy found in February that was confirmed to be infected with a raccoon variant of the rabies virus.

The primary concern is that these positive cases have been found in an area where raccoon rabies is not typically found. According to Dana Johnson, a USDA WS biologist, the primary focus will be expanding the surveillance areas to try to determine the extent that the rabies virus has spread.

The Alabama Department of Transportation is urging drivers to slow down, pay attention, limit distractions and be aware of workers along roadways during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15-19, 2013. This year’s national theme is “We’re All In This Together”.

Alabama is also promoting a statewide “Safety Stand Down” to heighten awareness about driving safely in work zones. Federal and state agencies, road builders, contractors and local officials are joining in the effort by participating in the “Safety Stand Down” on Wednesday, April 17.

Preliminary 2012 data shows within the 2,182 crashes in highway work zones in Alabama, there were approximately 21 fatalities and over 690 injuries.

In recognition of this year’s Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, Gov. Robert J. Bentley issued a proclamation marking Work Zone Awareness Week in Alabama.

The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO WATCH effective until 7:00 p.m. for much of Alabama.

Counties under the tornado watch include:

BALDWIN
BIBB
BLOUNT
BUTLER
CHILTON
CHOCTAW
CLARKE
CONECUH
COVINGTON
CRENSHAW
DALLAS
ESCAMBIA
FAYETTE
GREENE
HALE
JEFFERSON
LAMAR
MARENGO
MARION
MOBILE
MONROE
PERRY
PICKENS
SHELBY
SUMTER 
TUSCALOOSA
WALKER
WASHINGTON
WILCOX
WINSTON