Deer Culling Does Not

Reduce Lyme Infection

To the Editor:

Issues of deer wildlife control remain unresolved with many residents in the affected communities. Current proposals by a consortium of towns in Fairfield County involve a “quick and dirty” solution of “thinning the herd” for deer population control. The rationale for this approach is misleading to the communities and its residents whose interest in protecting surrounding natural resources is disregarded.

Environmental issues in New England related to the deer population involve several aspects of public health, welfare, and safety. Those issues that top the list include motor vehicle accidents and tick-borne related illnesses. The lack of knowledge in these areas is clear, but never addressed prior to the inception of individual town proposals. The human population continues to increase but the planning for incremental growth is never appropriately planned for. This perpetual growth is the basis for endless relocation of deer and the perception of its overpopulation. Society refuses to accept responsibility for this habitual movement which is a natural response of self-preservation. Instead of communities going “green,” our future evolution is darker and less colorful.

The proposals for warding off motor vehicle accidents related to deer never produce motions for the installation of lights on the Merritt Parkway, or for similar illumination of many back roads in neighboring towns where these accidents happen. People protect their properties with deer netting and fencing, preventing deer from moving between safe wooded areas, therefore leaving no alternatives but to enter into roadways and highways. Yet people knowingly speed with disregard to low visibility. Interestingly, senseless motor vehicle accidents still happen due to DUI, for example. Are there town propositions to shoot alcoholics because they are potential threats for other motorists?

The debate on deer overpopulation and the increase in tick-borne disease is disturbing. This contention validates public ignorance about tick-borne disease. Yes, deer are hosts and transport ticks. Black-legged ticks in New England are unfortunately known as “deer ticks.” But not all ticks carry the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete responsible for Lyme Disease nor do ticks travel solely on deer. Pets carry ticks into the home daily. White-footed mice and resident chipmunks carry ticks throughout wooded areas in our neighborhoods. Deer culling does not reduce Lyme infection. Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete is transmitted in other ways such as sexually and through internal blood barriers.

Deer culling for reasons such as Lyme disease and motor vehicle accident reduction is similar in theory to the horrific plan used in China for eradicating rabies by killing all dogs. China implemented this plan back in 2006. Pure ignorance spreads fear and misinformation. Using the “band-aid” approach in temporary problem solving without researching causation is confirmation that society is misinformed and unlearned. The “deer culling” plan is most likely hatched from the segments of society whose quick fix schemes have contributed to the downfall of the economy that affects America today. Those brilliant minds create more problems down the road with the “live for today” and “worry about it later” mentality.

Stop and take a moment to rationalize the results of these actions and what the effect is and will be on everything else around you.

Jeanine Scotti

64 Sport Hill Parkway, Easton                             December 21, 2008