HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-9TOWN OF NANTUCKET
BOARD OF HEALTH
PUBLIC HEARING — OCTOBER 9, 2008
NANTUCKET HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
LYME DISEASE
MEMBERS PRESENT: Acting Chairperson Roggeveen, Mr. Chadwick, Mr. Reinhard
and Mr. Atherton
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Kopko
Chairperson Roggeveen opens the Public Hearing at 6:00 p.m. and asks for comments.
HO Ray — This is a hearing for input to the BOH. Information at this and at future
hearings will be compiled for the town's guidance in dealing with Lyme Disease.
Dr. Tim Lepore — Lyme Disease is a relatively new problem to Nantucket. No deer were
here prior to 1950 -55. We had mouse ticks on island, and there were deer ticks on
Naushon Island. We have had changes in our landscape usage and 378 -380 cases of tick -
borne disease have been reported this year — some with life - threatening illness. In
dealing with tick -borne disease: people have to take responsibility for themselves; be
careful of what you plant (deer resistant plants) (use of Dammonix twice a year — it can
be expensive); there are too many deer (50 -60 per sq. mi.) — we should have deer
reduction to 18 per sq. mi. as there is evidence to show a 40 -50% reduction in tick
disease, and if there are less than 8 deer per sq. mi. within a few years we would see the
demise of tick disease; and we also need education in our plan.
Carol Black — Requests an accurate deer count after the 2005 deer hunt. Hunters said
deer count is not as high as has been reported. One expert states that deer should not be
targeted specifically as white footed mice carry the disease. After "extended" deer hunt
we still have an increase in deer population and tick disease. Ticks will reproduce on
other hosts. The science is controversial. People need to educate themselves.
Buzz Goodall — Nantucket Community Association — would like statement entered as
there is a serious problem on Nantucket which is an economic and public health threat.
Jack Warner — Has turned information to the BOH. He states that if we go into a multi
faceted approach, public education is important, but don't rely too heavily on that
because the advertising/education will not make too large an impact (don't rely on it
more than 20% of the time being effective).
Jean Grimmer — President of Rotary Club — wants to be part of the solution to reduce
disease on island and will be willing to help with community education.
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Liz Curio — Tom Nevers East — has lived here for 20 years, uses Dammonix and it works
very will. Has personally been diagnosed with Lyme Disease in the past.
Kevin Bates — resident of Tom Nevers — happy to have a public hearing, need a multi-
faceted approach as opposed to just limiting deer. Town should purchase Dammonix for
certain areas.
Robert Butler - Need multi - faceted approach, checks his family daily, Monhegan Island
had a deer reduction "white Buffalo" team to eliminate deer, Great Island as well.
Rich Cooper — White tail deer existed during the Native American's time and the number
of deer per square mile is blown out of proportion (6 deer per acre). If wee eradicate
deer, they'll breed elsewhere, utilize sterilization methods and four- poster stations. No
need to extend hunting season, don't blame it all on white tail deer.
Randy Pearson — Part-time Madaket resident. Outreach and education have problems,
particularly reaching visitors to the island.
HO Ray — Town does have information on all boat lines and also offers it to lodging
• houses. Most day trippers are not in moors (tick infested areas), they mainly stay in
town.
Mr. Dammon — Question on four poster.
The four posters are roller stations treated with chemicals and are baited with food, the
chemicals transfer onto the neck and body of deer; it is an expensive method, requires
lots of corn and can attract rats and other rodents.
HO Ray — we have a number of four posters on island; a report will be coming to us
(BOH) in the future.
Dr. Lepore — Corn, a potential problem, the insecticide not approved for human
consumption — hunters won't be able to hunt there, if used during hunting season will be
called baiting (state won't approve). If it congregates deer in one area it's inappropriate
and chronic wasting disease of deer is a problem.
Dan Lemaitre — Has lived here for close to 30 years. The deer population has increased
up until the hunting season extension (has stabilized herd). The numbers are off in terms
of population, lots of deer, but not as many as people believe. Hunting most cost
efficient method of controlling any population (via hunting with guns). Posted areas
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BOARD OF HEALTH
PUBLIC HEARING — OCTOBER 9, 2008
PAGE 3
(private) should be opened up. Conservation land has been closed in recent years and
should be opened up to hunters.
Mr. Reinhard — We have heard from many community members and from HO Ray (and
have a packet of information from him). We are open to all suggestions from the public.
HO Ray — Thanks for public input. There will be other public hearings and suggests that
the public may want to bring their scientific experts to the next hearing.
Acting Chairperson Rogeveen closes public hearing at 6:40 p.m.