STOP EEE

PREVENTION, EDUCATION and ADVOCACY

Moms Against EEE

 

EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis)

Correspondence

 From: Moms Against EEE [mailto:pbronson@momsagainsteee.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 11:33 AM
To:  Arboviral Task Force Members 
Subject: Please review and consider


It may be that you have seen thisreport* already. It clearly defines health threat categories and thresholds for larvicide, pesticide, and adulticide use on National Wildlife Refuges. This is a great example of a comprehensive plan that our group would like to see implemented in NH. This integrated management plan covers in detail issues such as monitoring, health threat levels, disease surveillance, threshholds, establlishes a chain of command, and even outlines responsibilities for public education on personal protection.
Could we adopt this same or a similar policy outline for our own State Parks and property? Could this provide a model for Local communities to follow by creating Vector management districts? If not, why not?
If adopted, this will be applicable to the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, correct?
We realize this is a recent report on this proposed policy . We are requesting this be provided to task force members and discussed at Thursday's meeting.
We believe it is a practical example of an integrated management plan for mosquito borne disease and vector managment.
Please let us know if this policy(draft) has been previously reviewed and discussed by the task force.
Thank you for your consideration.
-Moms Against EEE

 

 

Question

On 10/4/07, Tony wrote:

“I'm against spraying to kill the mosquitoes because of possible health risks. Perhaps my concern is unfounded but can you publish the MSDS or labeling that comes with the spray(s) on your web site..?” I really think if people studied the labeling they would be concerned about the sprays polluting the wells that our families drink from or

the air we breathe. I suggest that concerned individuals spray

repellent on themselves instead of risking much larger populations. Where could I learn more about what sprays are used and the warnings associated with them?”

Sincerely,

Tony

Goffstown, NH

Response

From: Audrey Dean <preventeee@gmail.com>

“Hi Tony,

Thanks for writing us -we understand your concerns about spraying chemicals which is why our group is also for more prevention with environmentally safe bti larviciding (which targets the baby mosquito) in Spring. If the prevention is in place this should result in less adulticide spray) needed. In addition eventually the state needs to fix up some of land they own that is in bad shape and happens to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. As far as Spray I have enclosed an attachment from the Dept of health and human services pages 7-14 address spraying and where to call for more data also you can call town health officer -through the town offices. Let us know if you have more questions. Eventually we want to have a link on the website so you could go to our website and find out by town what the policy is and when they are planning to spray by next season.

Thank You, Audrey Dean - Moms Against EEE”

Response
From: Pam Bronson <pbronson@momsagainsteee.com>
Subject: Moms Against EEE Inquiry Follow Up

“Tony,

Audrey forwarded your question and her response to me for some input and review. First, I want to say that we would welcome your participation with our group! We certainly do Not want to do anything that would create new or increased health risks as a side effect of increased spraying and would appreciate the input of someone like yourself as part of our mission to really be open to all sides of this issue. For instance, we were just made aware yesterday of other water soluble pesticides that are less hard on the environment and being used successfully in other States. We would really appreciate your input and opinions on the information we are being provided and whether or not this information then makes a difference to you and your concerns.

Also, we are pushing hard at the arboviral task force for the State to consult with some experienced scientific experts to help answer all these questions. Just yesterday, they did form a scientific subcommittee for the purpose of researching the available resources in other States.

I would also like to ask your permission to post your question and both of our responses on our website. We truly are about being open to all sides of the issue with the hope that by working together, we can find a compromise to all the concerns and ultimately still reduce the risk to all our communities in NH, the risk of the virus as well as the risk of potential damage to our environment from reactive spraying. We are advocating a comprehensive and proactive approach.

Thank you so much for the feedback,

Pam Bronson

-Moms Against EEE”

-----Original Message-----
From: Tony

“Pam,
Feel free to post my response. Many thanks to you and Audrey Dean for providing a detailed response.  I am more informed now.

Sincerely,
Tony”