Western New York Tick Awareness Forum

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (January 3, 2019) – Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Chautauqua and Erie Counties are leading a regional initiative to increase awareness of tick-borne diseases and tick management in the Western New York Region. They are offering several opportunities to participate in the WNY Tick Awareness Forum to be held on January 24th in West Seneca and February 16th in Jamestown.

Lyme disease and several other devastating tick-borne diseases are on the rise in New York due to an increase in the prevalence of ticks and human-tick encounters. The Governor and State Legislature have deemed Lyme and other tick-borne diseases a public health priority and are working to raise awareness about ticks, tick avoidance and management. Please consider joining us at either of our regional forums or online, featuring a presentation from Lynn Braband of NYSIPM, health department officials, and a panel of community leaders. This event is brought to you by the New York State IPM Program and Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Chautauqua, Erie, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, and Cattaraugus Counties.

Attendees who register in advance and attend one of the physical locations will receive a free tick removal kit along with light refreshments and an opportunity to participate in an interactive question and answer session. The cost to register is $5/person, and registration begins 30 minutes prior.

There are multiple ways to participate. The two main events will be held in Erie County and Chautauqua County. There will also be satellite locations to view the event or join a live stream via Facebook. Register online by visiting www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua at least one week in advance to receive a free tick removal kit.

Erie County: January 24th, 2019; 4pm – 6pm; West Seneca Community Center; 1300 Union Road; West Seneca, NY; Contact: Sharon Bachman, CCE-Erie County, at sin2@cornell.edu or 716-652-5400 ext.150.

Chautauqua County: February 16th, 2019; 1pm – 3pm; Frank W Bratt Agricultural Center; 3542 Turner Road; Jamestown, NY; Contact: Katelyn Walley-Stoll, CCE-Chautauqua County, at kaw249@cornell.edu or 716-664-9502 ext. 202.

We will also be live streaming each of our two in-person events at the designated times. View the event from the comfort of your own home at no cost by joining the WNY Beginning Farmers and Homesteaders group on Facebook (you will have to request to join ahead of time and will not be eligible to receive a free tick removal kit).

Cattaraugus County: Satellite Viewing of the February 16th event at the CCE-Cattaraugus,28 Parkside Drive, Ellicottville, NY 14731. Contact Tamara Bacho at 716-669-2377 or tsb48@cornell.edu.

Genesee County: Satellite Viewing of the January 24th event at CCE-Genesee, 420 E Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Contact Janice Beglinger at 585-343-3040 or jmb374@cornell.edu.

Orleans County: Satellite viewing of the February 16th event at the Trolley Building, 12690 State Rt 31, Albion, NY 14411. Contact Katie Oakes at 585-798-4265 or klo54@cornell.edu.

Wyoming County: Satellite viewing of the January 24th event at the Wyoming County Agriculture and Business Center, 36 Center St. Warsaw, NY 14569. Contact Don Gasiewicz at 585 786 2251 drg35@cornell.edu.

The WNY Tick Awareness Forum is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua) in line with the County’s 20/20 Comprehensive Plan. CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated January 3, 2019