Thursday marked the official launch of Tick Free MV, an organization of concerned year-round and seasonal residents looking to improve public health on the Vineyard by reducing its tick population through various initiatives.
A new nonprofit is trying to tackle tick-borne diseases and allergies in an Islandwide effort.
Thursday marked the official launch of Tick Free MV, an organization of concerned year-round and seasonal residents looking to improve public health on the Vineyard by reducing its tick population through various initiatives.
“The effort will pair on-the-ground actions with a long-term strategy that will enlist experts in the field and solicit input from key stakeholders across the Island,” the organization wrote in Thursday’s press release.
Virginia Barbatti will be executive director of Tick Free MV.
Virginia Barbatti will be executive director of Tick Free MV.
Board co-chair Jeff Levy, CEO of Martha’s Vineyard Medical, said in the statement that forming the nonprofit is an essential step in combating the Island’s growing tick-borne illnesses epidemic.
He told the Gazette Thursday that the dramatic rise in Island alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy that causes people to be allergic to red meat, presents a pressing need to take action, especially where the deer population is concerned. Deer are a main carrier of ticks on the Vineyard.
“We’re 100 square miles, and this will be the largest area that we know of where anyone has undertaken the combination of deer management and other proven interventions needed to dramatically reduce the level of tick-borne illnesses and allergies,” he said in a phone interview. “It will take significant investment and sustained commitment, but as I think about it, this is truly an existential threat to the Island.”
Virginia Barbatti will serve as executive director. Ms. Barbatti is a Chilmark resident and is currently the development director at Island Grown Initiative.
Alpha gal support group has been growing on the Island.
Alpha gal support group has been growing on the Island.
Tick Free MV’s early initiatives prioritize restoring the Island’s deer population toward ecological balance. The group is partnering with Island Grown Initiative and the MV Hunt Club to boost deer hunting by offering a monetary reward for every deer donated to the Share the Harvest Program.
“Although mice, turkeys and other mammals are all contributors, the vast majority of deer ticks and lone star ticks reproduce on white tail deer, making them a primary driver of our rapidly expanding tick population,” said Patrick Roden-Reynolds, biologist of the Martha’s Vineyard Tick Program and senior advisor to Tick Free MV, in the release.
The organization’s other initiatives include expanding the use of deer damage permits and using a thermal drone survey this winter to detect deer population hotspots.
For more information, visit tickfreemv.org.
Comments
Does that include using more
Shelley EdgartownDoes that include using more pesticides? Which kill bees and butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Anyone who believes that Martha’s Vineyard or anywhere in the world is going to be tick free is delusional!
Let’s not make mountains out of a molehills.
Most people with alpha gal do not have serious reactions.
That being said, just in case, everyone testing positive should carry an EpiPen at all times.
I’ve been diagnosed and I’ve had virtually no symptoms as have 90% of the people I know who have been diagnosed.
So far, I don’t know what the big deal is.
Speak for yourself! I wouldn
Lorraine Wells Vineyard HavenSpeak for yourself! I wouldn’t wish my alpha gal symptoms on my worst enemy!
Hi Shelley. There are many
Lea HamnerHi Shelley. There are many strategies to explore to reduce the number of ticks in our environment, many of which are not pesticide-based. Tick Free MV is looking primarily at deer reduction, which every expert in ticks and tickborne disease has pointed to as being a critical first step. I am grateful to hear your AGS isn't causing you too many issues, but as the public health epidemiologist on this island I personally run an Alpha Gal Support Group and I can tell you that people are suffering. Several of our folks have had life-threatening anaphylaxis reactions. Others are terrorized by the idea of cross contamination or accidental exposure. Then we only have 8 other tick-borne infections to contend with including Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, tularemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Powassan, Borrelia miyamotoi... Tick borne illness is a monumental deal on this island. Working together to address the root cause--too many ticks--is imperative to this island's future.
Lea, I respect your work and
Sarah Church EdgartownLea, I respect your work and devotion to this mission. But deer reduction cannot be the only means to reduce the many forms of Lyme. You and your team need to put forward a very strategic and bulleted list of how you will bring down the number of cases beyond the targeted killing of (how many)deer as that will not prove to be the entire solution and potentially not the best answer. Many have mentioned the use of guinea fowl who feed on ticks, there is also the option of the incorporation of plant species repugnant to the ticks. Lastly, education, early detection and public access to preventative options like "tick resistant clothing" and organic repellants should be included in your mission statement for your non-profit. These are fundable items along with lists of doctors specializing in the treatment of lyme for those afflicted. It is farcical to believe that the general population will fund only one avenue to lower the number of tick borne illnesses - the destruction of these animals. Although white tailed deer are not a protected species, mass destruction of this species on our island is something that would need to be approved by the state - according to the epidemiologist I just connected with at Harvard. I am grateful for your help but I believe a multifaceted approach to the mitigation of this Lyme epidemic is the way to realize funding and success. Thank you again for your efforts.
The tick problem is way
MN ChilmarkThe tick problem is way larger than a molehill. What a naive comment. People with long term Lyme disease, alpha gal, or who are unfortunate enough to get erlichiosis, babesiosis, or Powassan virus, would beg to differ. The tick problem is an existential threat to the island.
OMG! Epidemic level of tick
Tom ChilmarkOMG! Epidemic level of tick borne illness is not a big deal? It’s an huge deal to the thousands who have debilitating illnesses from these little devils. It’s high time for an island wide press to reverse course or this place will be uninhabitable by humans in 10 years. Thank goodness we’re starting take a proactive approach. I’ll be donating to help this initiative.
Epipens cost hundreds of
Me HereEpipens cost hundreds of dollars and generally expire after 18 months (the compound is unstable, so using one past it's date isn't a great idea). Many people with severe allergies simply cannot afford to carry them and must mitigate risks in other ways. And many people don't know they could ever need them. I agree that it's important to address the entire environment and that broad pesticides solve nothing, but simply declaring that everyone should carry an epipen is similarly out of touch with reality.
“Most people.” Tell that to
Dana Nunes MV“Most people.” Tell that to the family of the New Jersey man who died in 2024. Or, to the Chillmark flea market vendor, who went into anaphylactic shock this summer from undiagnosed Alpha-gal, likely surviving only because someone nearby had an EpiPen..
My partner was diagnosed with Alpha-gal last year, and fortunately, has only dealt with recurring hives. Several friends, on the other hand, have been dealing with mid to high level reactions, and not only from eating the meat, but from being in proximity to meat being cooked. Carrying a EpiPen at all times is definitely a must for those who have been diagnosed. Sadly, many aren’t diagnosed until they’ve had a reaction, sometimes serious. Pesticides are definitely not the way to go, but something does have to be done.
Hurrah!!!! A good start. We
Lorraine EdgartownHurrah!!!! A good start. We have to keep up a concerted effort to solve this pressing issue. Kin of mine are Lyme disease patients, some have co morbidities which enhances the effect of Lyme Disease in the patient. An all out effort, involving everyone, as everyone who sets foot on the island is in danger of contracting several tick borne diseases. Don't forget the Guinea Hens.... Onward and upward.
possums...
matthew j. tarka southamptonpossums...
So glad an organized group is
Chris EdgartownSo glad an organized group is taking this on. I have never seen it so bad there in my 50 years in Edgartown. Especially the larva/nymphs and lone star. Unseen but so dangerous. Thank you for doing this!
Thank you!!!!!
Gabrielle West TisburyThank you!!!!!
Finally! And thank you.
Carol Oak BluffsFinally! And thank you. Please keep us updated about this important initiative.
All efforts and education
Sue kurker West TisburyAll efforts and education greatly appreciated. What are your thoughts of nymph/ larvae remediation? Do tick tubes help? Would this be a worthwhile island wide potential action at right time of year, done with guidance of scientists? Any natural yard sprays that help? If we did remediation island wide, in same time frame (coordinated by health departments?), would this be beneficial ? Your guidance is appreciated. Thank you!
This has to be the most
paul adler Up IslandThis has to be the most important new organizations on the Island. I hope the State and Federal agencies send you funds. Ticks must be the only deadly event I know of on the Vineyard that none of us can fully avoid.
I contracted alpha gal this
John Molinari Oak BluffsI contracted alpha gal this past August. Six hours after six paper thin slices of ham and a cheap chunk of cheese for lunch, I became covered in hives, head to toe, every part, passed out, wet my pants, and regained consciousness after getting an epipen jab to the thigh in the ambulance down on Circuit Ave. Now no meat or dairy - or, strangely, sugar, which, I had no idea, pollutes so many benign condiments, mayo to oyster sauce. Alpha gal is not the end of the world, but it is a nuisance, culinary joy kill, and constant health threat. No restaurants. No takeout. No more Reliable prepared tuna or potato salad. I always did cook a lot, now more than ever. I love deer, but I cannot eat them anymore, and venison was a favorite. There is fantastic fish, duck, turkey, chicken, and veggies - lots of chicken and veggies. My pots and pans are not idle. Very pleased to hear about and support No Tick MV.
What if summer residents +
KDV Seasonal IslanderAn excellent preventive initiative!
Think -what if- summer residents + their guest + visitors were to say enough is enough. What if they were to forgo multiple risks of tick attacks per season and just stay away. Consider what a shocking impact on the economy and RE prices that might be! Fight the ticks - save the island.
You raise an excellent point!
Ryan Wiiliams Edgartown/ New JerseyYou raise an excellent point! I now spend my Island time ( spending considerable money) in cold weather months as opposed to warmer ones. yes, ticks are a 12 month issue but it seems the Lonestar is more of a problem from late April until late September. I liek nature and deer as much as most people but given the health crisis, I say wipe them out!
Do any of these people
question ChilmarkDo any of these people actually have experience dealing with ticks or parasites? Running a food program doesn't seem like it has all that much of a relationship to managing this problem.
My exact concern.
Sarah Church EdgartownMy exact concern.
Thrilled to see Tick Free MV
Caroline Reily KatamaThrilled to see Tick Free MV taking decisive action. Deer reduction is the only long-term solution, and the incentives plus drone surveys are smart first steps.
We’ve lived here in Katama around Green Hollow Road since 1972 and have never seen deer numbers this high — gardens destroyed, constant road collisions, and ticks everywhere. I checked with a dozen neighbors, and we’re all in agreement: we need far more hunters harvesting deer right now.
We do have some bow hunters on the island, but there simply aren’t enough of them willing or able to hunt in residential areas.
On top of that, processing and handling the meat remains a big hurdle for many. Legalizing crossbows would open the door for everyday residents — seniors, newcomers, anyone with a license — to hunt quietly, accurately, and safely from an elevated stand at short range, dramatically increasing the harvest where it’s needed most.
A current bill, S.595 (“An Act relative to the use of crossbows in hunting”), would lift Massachusetts’s outdated ban and let licensed hunters use crossbows during archery season. It has already moved to Senate Ways and Means after a favorable committee report in November — momentum is real.
Please contact our legislators today and ask them to pass S.595:
Rep. Dylan Fernandes: (617) 722-1330 | [email protected]
Sen. Julian Cyr: (617) 722-1570 | [email protected]
Lead sponsor Sen. Anne Gobi: (617) 722-1540 | [email protected]
Support Tick Free MV at tickfreemv.org. Let’s give islanders every safe tool we have to turn this around. #TickFreeMV
Hi! Still here. Year after
Mr. B ChilmarkHi! Still here. Year after year. Same comment that I have been presenting in these pages for years: Stop talking and start killing the deer. If it is a real emergency--a real emergency--then kill the deer. Maybe five to six thousand of them. For starters. How? Bounty paid to island residents. Carcasses to barges way out into the ocean and dump the organic material there. Then back for more. Money is paid into the local economy and everyone benefits.
Very smart and support the
Heat mapsVery smart and support the initiative. Helpful for hunters to have more intel and less trail cam / guesswork when they’re on the move. Pair this with the processing services and we have a healthy balance ahead. Well done.
Why not reintroduce Guinea
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownWhy not reintroduce Guinea hens they thrive on tics and have saturation spraying of the state forest with pyrethrine.Close the forest for a few days and spray. It was done in Vietnam to defoliate and it worked,and unlike agent orange pyrethrine is supposed to be safe around people
Never mind tourism, the
Alex Friedman EdgartownNever mind tourism, the Island will soon become unlivable … allowing hunters access to private property, for a few days in the winter, is our best current solution to this disaster. Hunters harvesting deer help EVERYONE enjoy the outdoors. Please consider contacting Tick FreeMV and allowing hunters to help combat this threat, before it’s too late.
Thank you for this initiative
Kathy Sherbrooke AquinnahThank you for this initiative! I’ve heard suggestion that Guinea hens prey on ticks. Any truth to that? Are there any thoughts about introducing species like that to the island that would help (in addition to culling deer)?
SEND IN THE GUINEA HENS!
James OB USASEND IN THE GUINEA HENS!
How do dogs and cats factor
Andy AHow do dogs and cats factor into the equation? Would fewer pets = less exposure?
At the risk of being deemed
Up island gal ChilmarkAt the risk of being deemed controversial… as an Island, we could be a case study for the rest of America . We have the ability to try to “clean” the environment that ticks seem to thrive in …and without pesticides! What does everyone think about an island-wide effort to majorly reduce/eradicate the number of skunks, raccoons, and deer with a strategic culling (in my youth I had orphaned pet skunks and raccoons, so please don’t think I am heartless!) At the same time, creating more open space by cutting back scrub, oak, and planting field grass and reducing acorn producing oak. Not sure how one would tackle the white footed mouse, but you have to start somewhere!
You can buy Guinea hen chicks
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownYou can buy Guinea hen chicks,I sent away for a dozen,the neighbors won't be happy,but thats too bad.
The tourists may stop coming
Tom EdgartownThe tourists may stop coming if this is not addressed. I’m glad someone is taking it seriously. Alpha gal is no joke!
The trustees, land bank,
Gabrielle West TisburyThe trustees, land bank, sheriff's meadow, vineyard conservation and nature conservency need to pay hunters to cull the deer. This should be renamed as basic maintenance, just as you would clear a trail...it's a necessary means to keep the ecosystem healthy.
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