Aug162017 by EastMauiRLW AdminNo Comments
Assisting Farmers with RLW Vector Control

Assisting Farmers with RLW Vector Control

Updates From the Field, Vector Control
Through the Hana Chapter of the Hawaii Farmers Union United, we’re working in partnership with the state Department of Ag and CTAHR on Maui to assist farmers with vector control for rat lungworm. We are doing a series of farm visits in different areas, starting on Tuesday, August 22 at farms in the Kaeleku and Ulaino Road area. We’re providing vector control supplies including different types of rat traps, slug bait, salt, gloves, tongs, bottles, etc. And we’re working with farmers with a vector control checklist, to identify habitats, share best practices, try out different methods, and learn together how to control rats and slugs to keep our local food safe. Our priority initially is to work with produce growers, but we also want to support home gardeners and anyone…
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Jul262017 by EastMauiRLW AdminNo Comments
Another problematic vector spotted in East Maui

Another problematic vector spotted in East Maui

In the news, Vector Control
From Wikipedia - Platydemus manokwari, also known as the New Guinea flatworm, is a species of large predatory land flatworm. Platydemus manokwari is a paratenic host for the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis, also known as the rat lungworm. This nematode parasitizes Platydemus manokwari as well as the Giant African land snail, and both of these organisms are transmission vectors of the parasite. A. cantonensis parasitizes humans as well and causes angiostrongyliasis. Platydemus manokwari acts as a transmission vector of the parasite to humans and affects the epidemiology of angiostrongyliasis.[11] In an outbreak of angiostrongyliasis in the Okinawa Prefecture, populations of Angiostrongylasis cantonensis intermediates were examined in order to find the most frequently infected intermediates. Platydemus manokwari was found to be one of the prevailing infected hosts, with an infection rate of 14.1%.…
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Jul262017 by EastMauiRLW Admin1 Comment

Experts say more research is needed

Diagnosis and Treatment, Food Safety, In the news
“We all should consider that a good portion of rats, slugs and snails in Hawaii are likely infected. It’s important to inspect, wash and store all produce carefully, and reduce or prevent snails/slugs from entering gardens by using raised beds, copper tape and poison control,” Dela Cruz said. “Like many health issues, prevention is key.” http://westhawaiitoday.com/5675310.html
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Jul122017 by EastMauiRLW AdminNo Comments

Water Storage Safety

Food Safety, Vector Control
Chris Baz with Eco Products Maui, who has years of experience installing and maintaining catchment systems on Maui, has offered protocols on safe water storage for RLW prevention. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has published Guidelines on Rainwater Catchment in Hawaii by Patricia S. Macomber, including information on: 1. Water collection—how to catch the water, how much water you need 2. Water storage—what to keep it in 3. Catchment system maintenance—identifying problems, keeping the tank clean 4. Water treatment—sources of water contamination, principles of water treatment 5. Water testing—keeping tabs on water quality 6. Fire fighting concerns
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May242017 by EastMauiRLW AdminNo Comments
Hana subdivision semi-slug sightings

Hana subdivision semi-slug sightings

Uncategorized
[caption id="attachment_189" align="alignleft" width="225"] 2 adult semi-slugs on stalk of banana plant and egg cluster / "clutch" beneath them = approx 20 eggs[/caption] Requesting residents of Hana subdivision to report sitings of semi-slug Parmarion to email address:   Kapiabotanicals@gmail.com [caption id="attachment_190" align="alignright" width="168"] "Juvenile semi-slug," 2 day old hatchling from clutch -- on Lincoln's neck[/caption]  
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May192017 by EastMauiRLW Admin1 Comment

Protocol for safe water storage ~ by Chris Baz

Food Safety, Vector Control
WATER STORAGE AND CATCHMENT TANK SAFETY 1. Make sure water tank cover is totally tight on the top edge of the tank with no tears in the mesh or open places from the outside into the water. Watch out for anything compromising the seal of the cover to the tank top edge. You may need to redo the overflow system or incoming water supply. 2. If in doubt about the tank cover sealing to the top edge put a 1/8" aircraft cable around the cover to the tank and tighten it to the body of the tank with turnbuckles. You will need a tank level indicator to see the water level if the tank. 3. Make sure there is a screen between the roof gutters and tank (we supply debris…
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May182017 by EastMauiRLW AdminNo Comments
Rat Lungworm Disease in East Maui ~ by Chad Meyer MD

Rat Lungworm Disease in East Maui ~ by Chad Meyer MD

Diagnosis and Treatment, Food Safety, RLW Communication, RLW Educational Material, Vector Control
Fortunately dengue virus did not become established in east Maui as a result of the 2001 dengue fever outbreak. Effective interventions included community responses to decrease mosquito breeding sites, and a vigorous campaign by local public health personnel and resources from CDC Atlanta and Puerto Rico. It is also worth noting that dengue fever outbreaks generally occur in crowded urban settings and that rural conditions in east Maui were in our favor. (more…)
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