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Suffolk County Releases Tick and Vector-Borne Diseases Task-Force Report

Suffolk County has released a report on tick- and mosquito-borne diseases in Suffolk County. The report, produced by the Suffolk County Tick and Vector-Borne Diseases Task Force (TVBDTF), provides an overview of the diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes and outlines a needs assessment for approaching vector-borne diseases.

“We are grateful to the task force for their study and recommendations for dealing with this public health and safety issue, said County Executive Steve Bellone. “Our approach is multi-pronged and comprises the efforts and expertise of several county departments.”

Among the recommendations for further action is the creation of a countywide tick-borne pathogen surveillance program. This year Suffolk County began a tick surveillance program at 10 strategically located sites, examining tick populations and tick-borne pathogens at those sites.  Also as part of a tick management strategy for Suffolk County, the Department of Public Works Division of Vector Control is providing technical advice and training workshops for tick management to municipalities, commercial pesticide applicators and other entities that are conducting tick control. Vector Control is also exploring opportunities to use new tick control technologies and working with New York State Parks to manage ticks in parkland.

“Education is of key importance when dealing with public health protection,” said Commissioner of Health Services Dr. James Tomarken. “We encourage doctors to be familiar with case definitions and to consider vector-borne diseases when diagnosing patients. We also employ social media, video clips, and wide distribution of educational materials to encourage our residents to be vigilant and take the necessary steps to avoid vector-borne diseases.”

To view the Suffolk County Tick and Vector-Borne Diseases Task Force Report, visit http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Default.aspx?TabID=1034&fid=1200

To view video clips and for more information on vector-borne diseases, visit http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/SeasonalTrends.aspx

The TVBDTF was created by the Suffolk County Legislature in 2011. It consisted of representatives from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory, SUNY Stony Brook Department of Medicine, Suffolk County Legislature, Shelter Island Deer and Tick Committee, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Suffolk County Cornell Cooperative Extension, Suffolk County Medical Society, Suffolk County Pediatric Society, Suffolk County Psychological Association, Professional Nurses Association of Suffolk County, Homeopathic Medical Society of the State of New York, Empire State Lyme Disease Association, New York State Veterinary Medical Society, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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