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Health department launches bacteria testing and details rabies, kennel, mold responses
Summary
Marquette County’s environmental health manager reported that the county’s water lab received DACP certification to begin coliform and E. coli testing; staff also reviewed rabies follow-up procedures, kennel inspections under ATCP 16, mold and nuisance‑property orders, and DNR nitrate-audit steps.
At the May 5 Board of Health meeting, Environmental Health Manager Jessica Jennenburgg updated the board on environmental work, including a newly certified local water-testing capability and a range of complaint responses.
"We were granted certification," Jessica told the board about the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection audit that approved the water lab’s bacteria testing for coliform and E. coli. The department has begun offering bacterial testing locally and continues to coordinate with the Department of Natural Resources for the nitrate portion of the lab; Jessica said the DNR audit had been performed and staff were awaiting official deficiency reports before full nitrate certification.
Jessica also reviewed public‑health roles in rabies follow-up and quarantine. She said law enforcement typically reports bite incidents and that officers provide owners with quarantine instructions; when necessary animals are transferred to a local quarantine facility (Whistling Winds) and the health department follows up on required veterinary checks. Jessica emphasized statutory timelines and the department’s practice of regular follow-up for home quarantines.
The environmental health program continues routine business including kennel license inspections (ATCP 16), mold‑related education and orders for nuisance properties (example: County Road E cleanup orders), lodging trainings after ATCP 72 code changes, and outreach at farmer markets and schools. Jessica said the department also participates in a state-level working group to standardize quarantine and rabies‑response procedures across counties.
