Forum/Town Hall: To discuss the growing incidence of EEE, its impact on human and animal health and possible policy changes to minimize infection and spread of the virus in New York State.

SUBJECT:    State and Local Response to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and its Impact on Public and Animal Health in Central and Northern New York

PURPOSE:    To discuss the growing incidence of EEE, its impact on human and animal health and possible policy changes to minimize infection and spread of the virus in New York State

WHEN:          Thursday, October 13^th, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Legislature Chambers of the Oswego County Office Building, 46 E. Bridge St., Oswego, NY     

Senator Patty Ritchie,  Chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, and Senator Kemp Hannon, Chair of the Standing Committee on Health, will be holding a Roundtable discussion regarding the incidence of human and animal EEE, particularly in Central and Northern New York. Existing policies and regulations will be examined for possible policy changes aimed at controlling the virus and protecting public and animal health. It is anticipated the following questions will be discussed in detail:

• An overview of the history of EEE incidence in New York State and, in particular, Central and Northern New York.
• What are the responsibilities of individual state agencies and local governments with respect to testing, detection and response to an EEE outbreak?
• What is the state’s policy with regard to aerial spraying and other means of controlling potentially infected insect populations, including funding protocols?
• What are the state and local responsibilities with regard to mosquito testing and control?
• What steps are currently in place to ensure adequate public notification and education of the dangers of exposure to humans and animals, and how can these be improved to provide timely notification of detection, control and treatment processes?
• What are the alternate insect control procedures that are available to governments, farmers and individuals?
• What assistance does the state and local governments provide to homeowners, farmers and individuals to control insect populations on private property?
• What is the economic impact on farmers in cases of EEE infection?
• Is there sufficient coordination between state agencies and local authorities to effect the maximum effective control of infected insect populations?
• What resources are available to local governments to assist them in helping to monitor and control breeding insect populations?
• What unique geographic features or practices may contribute to the prevalence of the disease in affected communities?
• What legislative or regulatory remedies may be needed to improve the state and local government response, enhance prevention and improve public notification?

Participation is by invitation only.  Any prepared statements or materials to be submitted by participants should be sent in advance.  Written comments will also be accepted and may be sent to the attention of the Chairs at 815 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247, or 46 E. Bridge St., Oswego, NY 13126.  In order to further publicize these hearings, please inform interested parties and organizations of the committees’ interest in hearing testimony from all sources. For further information, please contact Todd Kusnierz, Director of the Senate Agriculture Committee at (518) 455-3438 or email kusnierz@nysenate.gov

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Legislature, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities.  For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to legislative facilities and activities.

New York State Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture
Senator Patty Ritchie, Chair
New York State Senate Standing Committee on Health
Senator Kemp Hannon, Chair