[SEMCO] Nature Bites Back: Lecture on ticks, mosquitoes, and human health

[Melissa Lowe]

For Immediate Release:								       Contacts:	
March 28, 2007		            		Melissa Lowe (Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary): 508 349-2615
				
NATURE BITES BACK: Ticks, Mosquitoes, and Human Health are subjects of upcoming lecture at Mass Audubon

South Wellfleet, MA - With the continued prevalence of Lyme Disease in our area and last summer's first confirmed detection of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in mosquito populations on Cape Cod, there is a greater need for public education about the nature of these diseases, the perceived and real threats to human health, as well as the biology of the ticks and mosquitoes and their role in spreading the diseases. To meet this need, two of the Cape's leading experts will present a FREE public presentation at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary on Thursday, April 5 at 2 p.m. 

Dave Simser, an Entomologist with Cape Cod Cooperative Extension who has studied ticks since 1998, and Gabrielle Sakolsky who has served as Entomologist with the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project since 1993, will share information on the biology of ticks and mosquitoes and explain their role as vectors for Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Simser and Sakolsky will also describe the current research and control measures that are employed on Cape Cod, as well as provide suggestions as to how the public can help reduce the threat of these diseases.

The lecture is held at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. While it is free and open to the public, registration is requested. For more information call the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at 508-349-2615.

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The Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the west side of Route 6, immediately north of the Eastham/Wellfleet town line. Call (508) 349-2615 for information.


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Melissa Lowe
Education Coordinator

Massachusetts Audubon Society
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
PO Box 236, South Wellfleet, MA 02663
508-349-2615 (phone), 508-349-2632 (fax)
mlowe at massaudubon.org

"Protecting the Nature of Massachusetts"
www.massaudubon.org/wellfleetbay