HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Health Meeting Minutes - 12 04 2008_201402051537456302
TOWN OF NANTUCKET
BOARD OF HEALTH
INFORMATIONAL MEETING-TICK BORNE DISEASE
TWO FAIRGROUNDS RD. - DECEMBER 4, 2008
MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Chairwoman Rogeveen, Mr. Chadwick, Mr. Kopko, and
Mr. Atherton.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Reinhard
Acting Chairwoman Rogeveen opens meeting at 4:30 p.m. for questions and thanks Dr.
Sam Telford for his attendance.
Dr. Telford speaks about Monhegan Island and the removal of deer. Ticks will not be
completely eradicated. However, without deer there will be no pest level. Rabbits are
not an alternative host – not contributors to deer tick reproduction.
Dr. Lepore – Are there theories on certain hot spots on island – relative to brush cuts?
Dr. Telford – Deer are smart and will move to different areas.
Carol Black – questions deer reduction/education.
Dr. Telford – It’s not all or nothing – it’s a gradual reduction in deer/disease reduction.
Scientific literature must be evaluated for individual experience and degrees of expertise.
Local conditions mitigate what you can do.
Residents questions efficacy of fencing, pesticide effectiveness on the tick only, the life
cycle of the tick; and discuss the use of Dammonix, the Mumford Cove, CT study; the
Shelter Island issue; ask about getting rid of mice; discuss the need for more education.
Dr. Telford – Certain efforts would be cost prohibitive; could target housing associations
for impact/prioritization; work with Mass Wildlife on a target harvest each year but notes
that it has to be consistent from year to year or ticks will come right back; use of tick
checks by people would reduce risk; etc.
Acting Chairwoman Roggeveen thanks all for participation and reminds public about the
tick committee formation and encourages people to apply.
Meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.