Jul162018 by EastMauiRLW AdminNo Comments

Schools to test, develop electric anti-slug strips

In the news, Vector Control
From the Maui News, July 15, 2018 Goal is to help prevent growth of rat lungworm cases A dead slug hangs from a makeshift electrical system after crossing circuits powered by a 6-volt battery recently on Maui. Maui District Health Officer Dr. Lorrin Pang built the system in his backyard using electrical fence tape, which could be used by farmers and residents to combat rat lungworm disease. -- LORRIN PANG photo Four Maui County schools may spend the next school year tinkering with electrical barriers to growing numbers of snails and slugs blamed for a large outbreak of rat lungworm disease statewide last year. Maui District Health Officer Dr. Lorrin Pang said Friday that he solicited the help of Kamehameha Schools Maui and Hana High and Elementary, Maui High and Kalama Intermediate schools, which are “very interested” in…
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Apr42018 by EastMauiRLW AdminNo Comments

New semi-slug research published by Cowie et al

In the news, Updates From the Field, Vector Control
New research published by Cowie et al regarding the presence of the semi-slug in Hawaii, and it's competency as a host for nematode causing rat lungworm disease. Parmarion martensi Simroth, 1893 (Gastropoda:Ariophantidae), an intermediate host of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm), on Maui BISHOP MUSEUM OCCASIONAL PAPERS: No. 123, 2018
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Dec192017 by EastMauiRLW AdminNo Comments

STUDY: 94% of the Rats in Hilo Are Infected With Rat Lungworm Disease

In the news, Vector Control
From Hawaii Tribune-Herald: New research released Monday shows that almost 94 percent of rats in the Hilo region are infested with Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the parasitic nematode that causes rat lungworm disease in humans. The study, the largest of its type conducted in Hawaii, sheds light on how common the disease is in rats, said lead author Sue Jarvi, a professor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.
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Sep92017 by EastMauiRLW AdminNo Comments

More farm visits scheduled 9/14-15

RLW Communication, Updates From the Field, Vector Control
We'll be doing another round of farm visits to provide RLW info and vector control supplies on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 14-15. Thursday we'll be in the Nahiku area, and Friday in Kaeleku/Wakiu. Along with Mikala and Scott from the HFUU-Hana Chapter, we'll be joined again by John Frostad from the Dept of Ag Plant Quarantine Division. If anyone is interested in joining the team to learn about RLW vector control, of if you have a farm in these areas and would like a visit, please let us know!
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Aug162017 by EastMauiRLW AdminNo Comments

Task Force Meeting August 17

RLW Communication, Updates From the Field, Vector Control
The East Maui RLW Taskforce will be meeting on Thursday, August 17 at 5:00 at the Council Services Hana Office. We'll give an update on RLW response efforts and discuss priorities for the community moving forward. Community members are welcome to attend. Members of the state RLW working group and the point person for RLW response for the Department of Agriculture on Maui will also be present or calling in.
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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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