A diverse collection of stakeholder groups, including the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Maine Farm Bureau, Maine Veterinary Medical Association, Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine, Agricultural Council of Maine, Maine Medical Association, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and Maine Dairy Industry Association, has recognized the importance of Question 2 to the economic and physical health of Maine.
The University of Maine’s statewide mission requires it to be on the frontlines in addressing challenges to health and well-being in Maine and at the forefront of innovation that moves the state forward. University of Maine Cooperative Extension plays an integral role in improving Maine’s agricultural productivity, strengthening the rural economy, conserving natural resources and monitoring public health threats. Most recently, those health threats to humans and animals — both domestic and wild — have included ticks and mosquitoes.
What’s needed in Maine is a facility devoted to pest management and animal health, where public health threats can be monitored through research and diagnostics.
A critical next step for meeting some of Maine’s needs today and into the 21st century will be decided by Question 2 on the November ballot.
Question 2 will ask Maine voters whether they favor an $8 million bond to create a new animal, plant and insect laboratory administered by University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The increased size and biosecurity of such an animal, plant and insect lab will allow researchers to examine invasive species, insect-borne diseases and emerging agricultural pests, while making this information accessible to all.
As Maine’s tick population continues to increase and expand its range, the incidence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses has risen dramatically. The mosquito-borne West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) also are routinely showing up in birds and animals in Maine, with the first human case of EEE reported in the state earlier this month.
The University of Maine Cooperative Extension operates the only tick identification program in the state. However, the existing lab is unable to screen ticks for pathogens, requiring specimens to be sent out of state. For rapid response and cost-efficiency, Maine needs in-state disease testing capabilities of ticks. It also needs the ability to establish a comprehensive mosquito monitoring and disease awareness program for Maine.
In a separate animal facility on campus, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension researchers perform diagnostic services on many of Maine’s wild animal species, including the iconic moose. Some of the most serious threats to Maine’s moose herd come from pathogens and parasites. To better assess the effects of emerging diseases on Maine wildlife, the state needs a facility capable of whole-body examinations of large mammals.
Maine farmers have always depended on the pest monitoring, management of animal health issues and plant-disease forecasting provided by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension to generate productive crops and safe, healthy livestock. Today more than ever, this vital sector of the Maine economy requires the best surveillance and management of agricultural pests possible.
To ensure Maine’s ability to compete in a constantly changing market and to safeguard public health and natural resources, investment in scientific infrastructure is critical at Maine’s research university. Through the extensive services offered by the proposed lab, University of Maine research will improve the health and safety of Maine citizens for years to come. I urge you to support Question 2 on Nov. 4.
Susan J. Hunter is president of the University of Maine.