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Rare Bugs Intercepted at Dulles International Airport: First-In-Port, Decades-Old Find: CBP Rare Bugs Intercepted at Dulles International Airport: First-In-Port, Decades-Old Find: CBP
Rare Bugs Intercepted at Dulles International Airport: First-In-Port, Decades-Old Find: CBP Agriculture specialists at Washington Dulles International Airport made a major discovery while inspecting flower imports from South Africa, intercepting two invasive insect pests that could potentially wreak havoc on American agriculture. The pests include a first-in-port find of Caprhiobia sp. (Lygaeidae), a destructive plant bug, and Oxycarenus maculatus, or the Protea seed bug, which has not been seen in the area since 1984, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bugs were discovered in an October shipment of 188 protea and chamelaucium cut-stem flowers destined for K…

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by Zak Failla
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COVID-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Identified In Virginia COVID-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Identified In Virginia
Covid-19: These Are Most Likely Symptoms Of New Pirola Variant Identified In Virginia The most likely symptoms of a new COVID-19 variant with around 30 mutations are expected to be similar to the highly contagious Omicron strain based on reports so far. COVID-related hospitalizations have increased in the US for six straight weeks, with a 19-percent increase reported in the most recent week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, has now been identified in five states: New York, Texas, Michigan, Virginia, and Ohio. The strain was first detected in Israel around Sunday, Aug. 20, and cases have also been identif…

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by Joe Lombardi
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Smithsonian National Zoo's 'Luke The Lion' Dead At 17 After Long Battle With Spinal Disease Smithsonian National Zoo's 'Luke The Lion' Dead At 17 After Long Battle With Spinal Disease
Smithsonian National Zoo's 'Luke The Lion' Dead At 17 After Long Battle With Spinal Disease Conservationists and fans of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are mourning the loss of Luke, an African lion who was humanely euthanized at 17-years-old after a long battle with spinal disease, announced officials. Luke passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 19 after zookeepers noticed he was not bearing full weight on his right forelimb and had dropped weight. Luke had been treated for issues with his leg since 2016 for occasional discomfort and lameness. After a comprehensive veterinary examination, the veterinary team decided to not perform surgery on the majesti…

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by Annie DeVoe