Page 174 - Microsoft Word - Annual Report 2016

rubber batch prior to shipping from the manufacturer and also from the same batch once
it had arrived and was stored on site in Boxford. After thorough discussions on the safety
data associated with crumb rubber and the results of the crumb rubber analysis, the Board
decided to allow the Haynes Field Project to continue with installation of the crumb
rubber fields. Cautionary signs highlighting the safety concerns of the Board were
created and will be placed around the field to notify players and spectators of the
appropriate safety precautions.

Mosquito Borne Disease: A Board of Health (BOH) Mosquito Borne Disease Response
Protocol developed in 2012 to provide a quick response to early indications of spreading
Mosquito borne disease remained in effect through 2016. During 2016 there were no
incidences of mosquitos testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in
Boxford. In addition, there were no incidences of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Boxford or
surrounding towns. As a result, roadside spraying or barrier spraying was not conducted
by NEMCD during 2016. During the peak mosquito season, Boxford remained at a
“Low probability of locally acquired Human disease” for both Eastern Equine
Encephalitis and West Nile Virus.

Boxford is a member of the Northern Essex Mosquito Control District (NEMCD) which
weekly tests mosquito pools for EEE and WNV bearing mosquitoes. While no roadside
spraying was conducted in 2016, the BOH requested that NEMCD refrain from using
Duet® and instead use Zenivex® an adulticide with fewer concerns. NEMCD agreed to
comply with the Boxford BOH recommendation. NEMCD additionally works to
maintain wetland areas and reduce non-native mosquito habitat such as trash in and
nearby waterways. The option-out program which allows residents to option out of
roadside spraying through a certified letter sent to the Town Clerk or by replying to a
question on the annual town census card remained in effect through 2016.

Tick Borne Disease: The most prevalent tick borne disease in Massachusetts is Lyme
disease; over 3,000 cases were reported in 2015, a historically high rate. Incidence rates
are highest in children 5-9 years and adults aged 65-75 years. Other tick borne diseases
such as Babesiosis (520 cases in 2014, a 24% increase over 2013) and Anaplasmosis (604
cases in 2014, a 84% increase over 2013) are also on the rise, particularly on the
Cape. In Essex county during 2014 (the latest available data) the following numbers of
cases of tick borne disease were confirmed: 319 Lyme, 32 cases of Babsesiosis and 41
Anaplasmosis.

The Boxford BOH, consistent with the Mass DEP and CDC, continues to recommend
common sense preventative measures when outdoors such as proper clothing and
performing regular tick checks as the best and most proven method(s) to decrease the risk
of contracting Lyme disease. Additional information about how to protect against ticks
when outdoors is posted on the BOH website.