Lyme: Education And Prevention

Are The Answer

To the Editor:

While reading the recent article in The Bee entitled “Panel Continues to Ask: Should Newtown Cull it’s Deer Herds?” [7/23/10], I felt the need to voice my opinion. First of all, I don’t believe the town of Newtown is “sinking.” If it is, it’s not because of the deer. Other towns have had deer reduction programs, some for many years and they have failed to prove a connection between lower deer populations and less Lyme disease. So no, I wouldn’t advocate trying to reach a goal of ten deer per square mile or reduce the population at all since many studies have shown no correlation.

It appears there are still those who don’t know what else to do so killing deer makes it look like something is being done. This mindset isn’t scientific or common sense.

Educating the public about all aspects of prevention is a huge step toward lowering the incidence. The availability of a single-dose medication that prevents Lyme if taken 24 hours after a bite is another huge step towards lowering the incidence. People must take responsibility for their own protection. Killing off deer for the purpose of prevention is absurd since deer don’t transmit the disease. I wonder if there’s been any discussion about the critters that do. When the deer are gone, these infectious critters will still be around. I also wonder if the ones who talk about killing deer for this purpose actually hear what they’re saying. Do they, or can they imagine the slaughter that will take place, and for what? A very uncertain outcome at best.

In all probability, culling will take place on open space land, but I fail to see how it will help people who don’t live near open space. A Lyme vaccine and biological control of ticks are goals worthy of the 21st Century as opposed to the backward thinking of some. Until these goals can be reached, education and prevention are the answers.

Sincerely,

Susan Kokoska

9 White Oak Farm, Newtown                                     July 26, 2010