Public Health Information
Tick Reference Guide
DHHS Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Food Safety Guide for Farming
Rabies PEP Algorithm for Providers
Rabies PEP Reporting Form 2015
Lyme and Tickborne Disease Information
Maine CDC website
Browntail Moth newsletter- January 2021
Participate in Free “Better Health Now with Pain” Workshop
Confirmed positive Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in China
Town Guidance for Arbovial Infections
EEE informational brochure
EEE Fact Sheet
Jamestown Canyon Virus (JVC) Fact Sheet
West Nile Virus (WNV) Fact Sheet
Repellent Fact Sheet
"Fight the Bite" poster
PFAS Information
Any updated PFAS information China receives will be posted here.
We understand that you may have questions and concerns regarding the DEP investigation.
General questions about the investigation by DEP should be directed to David Madore, Deputy Commissioner and Communications Director, David.Madore@maine.gov, 207-287-5842.
You can also visit DEP webpage located at: http://www.maine.gov/dep/spills/topics/pfas/index.html.
Any questions about an investigation by DEP at a specific property should be directed to Jim Pollock at 207-592-8343 or jim.c.pollock@maine.gov.
If you have agricultural-related questions, please contact Nancy McBrady, Director of the Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, Nancy.McBrady@maine.gov, 207-287-7522.
Browntail Moth Update
February 2025
To whom it may concern:
To facilitate response by towns and their residents, I am in touch to provide notice of high or moderate detected populations of Browntail Moth (BTM). The Maine Forest Service (MFS) conducts annual BTM surveys, and in the last several years, populations have been severe in many areas. In 2024, MFS documented a decline in BTM populations.
BTM caterpillars have hairs that can cause a rash similar to poison ivy and respiratory distress in sensitive individuals. The hairs persist for years and can cause problems when mowing or other activities stir them up.
Aerial surveys took place in Summer 2024 and indicated damage from BTM in Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Somerset, and Penobscot counties. The population decline has made BTM very localized and patchy, it is likely that many areas with significant populations will not be picked up in MFS surveys. Local survey efforts are very important in these conditions if towns want to engage in reducing populations. An interactive map of MFS survey data can be found on our browntail moth dashboard.[KA1]
Our annual overwintering web survey is currently underway, and results will be available in early spring. The survey is conducted along roads around where detectable BTM populations have previously been found and expands outward to encompass the generally affected area. These surveys are not exhaustive, and people should check the trees around them to understand BTM populations and the risk of encountering hairs at a finer scale. Mid-December through March is the best time to do that.
The MFS BTM website* has more information, including:
Survey resources, including what the overwintering webs look like,
Browntail moth dashboard, an interactive map that can be used to view data from our various BTM surveys
A list of Licensed Professional Arborists and Licensed Pesticide Applicators who conduct BTM control work—those interested in hiring contractors for management should make contacts in the winter due to the high demand for services,
Topics ranging from biology to management to State Law specific to BTM control near marine waters are found in the recently updated frequently asked questions page.
We encourage towns to help educate residents and visitors about BTM and encourage and conduct management where practical. The MFS can provide technical advice and assistance for identification and management, and all the information on our website is available for electronic distribution or printing. A limited number of printed informational brochures are also available. Consider signing up for our newsletters and sharing the information found within them.
In closing, we may be starting to see BTM populations collapsing and will be keeping a close eye on current populations in 2025. The MFS and our partners are here to provide technical advice and assistance in response to BTM. We encourage you to join us in providing education, encouraging management, and conducting management where feasible.
Sincerely,
Thomas Schmeelk
Forest Entomologist
Maine Forest Service, DACF
Thomas.schmeelk@maine.gov
*http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/forest_health/invasive_threats/browntail_moth_info.htm
