The Ad Hoc Tick Borne Disease Action Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. at the C. H. Booth Library on Main Street in Newtown, CT.
PRESENT: Mark Alexander, Kirk Blanchard, Pat Boily, Neil Chaudhary, David Delia, Dr. Robert Grossman, Kim Harrison, Dr. Michele McLeod, George Miller, Mary Gaudet-Wilson, and Maggie Shaw; Absent: Dr. Peter Licht.
ALSO PRESENT: David Shugarts and seven members of the general public.
CALL TO ORDER: Dr. McLeod called the meeting to order at 8:00 pm.
APPOINTMENT OF NEW SECRETARY – Tammy Hazen will be clerking the committee with Maggie Wilkin filling in on evenings when Ms. Hazen cannot attend due to other clerking commitments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – The approval of October 14, 2009 minutes were tabled.
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER – Mr. Alexander introduced Howard Kilpatrick of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Wildlife Division. Mr. Kilpatrick presented a Powerpoint presentation on Deer Management Issues and addressed tick borne disease transmission. The committee had many questions and comments.
DISCUSSION OF ARTICLES SUBCOMMITTEE AND SUPPORT MEMBERS
NY Times Article, October 16, 2009 – Ms. Shaw submitted this article to the committee as information on how other towns have dealt with deer management issues.
Wildlife Services Division of the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services – Mr. Shugarts noted the results of deer management programs in western Pennsylvania and the committee discussed approximate costs of different programs.
Rebound Effect – The committee discussed statistics of rebounds in deer populations, particularly with the effects of the abundance of lack of feed and how it correlates to reproduction. The committee discussed the possible conditions of the deer herds in Newtown and to what extent there would be a rebound effect. Deer reproduction and recruitment rates were also discussed.
Deer Populations – Mary Wilson sent out the list of quotes to generate discussion.
Lyme Disease Vaccine – Item tabled.
The committee also discussed deer-related car accidents. Mr. Boily asked about the inconsistencies between data received from State Farm Insurance (showing an increase in deer related accidents by 30% within the last five years), and the State showing a decline in road kills. Mr. Chaudhary said there are many factors to take into consideration and many variables to consider. He was unable to get proper data from the Insurance Institute.
DISCUSSION OF FUTURE MEETINGS & SPEAKERS
Randall Nelson, CT Dept. of Public Health, November 18, 2009 – Mr. Alexander said that Randall Nelson is an epidemiologist who tracks Lyme disease. The commission discussed the variables in the collection of clinical data, including physicians doing surveillance criteria and actually surveying the residents. Chronic Lyme’s Disease was also discussed.
Laura Simon, Rebound Effect – Mr. Alexander stated that Ms. Simon was referred to him by Dr. Allen Rutberg from Tufts University. She has appeared before other deer committees within Fairfield County. It was noted that she may require a fee, the committee with continue the discussion at the next meeting.
Dr. Mat Pound, USDA Research Entomologist from Texas – Mr. Alexander stated that Dr. Pound is from Texas but will be in the area. He has written studies on the four poster deer treatment station and was involved in its implementation on Shelter Island. Dr. Pound can discuss cost and tactical deployment.
Dr. Richard Ostfeld, Cary Institute, Millbrook, NY – Dr. McLeod discussed a meeting scheduled for October 30th at 2:00 pm with Dr. Ostfeld in New York. Due to time constraints, Dr. Ostfeld cannot attend a meeting here in Newtown but is willing to answer any questions the committee members may have. The committee will prepare a list of questions and Dr. McLeod will tape the meeting for the committee to review. It was noted that Dr. Ostfeld has a Ph.D. from Berkley, is published, and works on ways to decrease tick populations. The committee will submit questions for Dr. McLeod to bring to the meeting in New York.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – There were no comments from the public.
FINAL COMMENTS – Mrs. Gaudet-Wilson said that she called the company that manufactures bait boxes for mice and was told they discontinued making them in 2003. Ms. Shaw and Ms. Harrison said they are still being put around by Connecticut Tick Control and it is being used in Newtown around the schools and parks. The box attracts the white footed mouse where it gets treated with a product similar to frontline.
EXECUTIVE SESSION – There were no discussions.
ADJOURNMENT - Mr. Blanchard moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Dr. McLeod. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 pm.
Respectfully Submitted By Tammy Hazen
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