Board of Pesticides Control Update
The Board of Pesticides Control wants to keep you informed on issues that may affect you. We welcome your input and feedback. Please send your comments to pesticides@maine.gov.
The Agricultural Trades Show Board Meeting has been rescheduled to February 9, 2024 at 9:00 AM in Marquardt Building, Rm. 118, 32 Blossom Ln, Augusta, ME 04333. The door to enter is on the East side of the building labeled D7. There will be a public listening session from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM. This is a period where the Board will listen to public comments/concerns.
For more information, visit the Board Meetings Page.
The following programs have been approved for pesticide recertification credits. More recertification opportunities may be found on the BPC Credit Calendar.
January 30, 2024 – Encountering Bed Bugs While Traveling
February 20, 2024 – Managing Commensal Rodents with IPM and New Technologies
March 15, 2024 – Rescheduled Applicator Recertification Credits from the Ag Trade Show
- Location: Rm 101 Deering Bldg. 90 Blossom ln, Augusta, ME 04333
- Approved for 3 pesticide credit (commercial, private)
- For more information: pesticides@maine.gov
Rescheduled recertification credits from the Ag Trade Show on March 15, 2024 in Rm 101 Deering Bldg. 90 Blossom Lane, Augusta, ME
8:00 – 9:00: Invasive Plants, Why We Regulate Them and Early Detection Resources, Gary Fish, DACF
9:10 – 10:10: TMI (Too Many Invasives) What Maine is Worried About Now, Karen Coluzzi, DACF
10:20–11:20: The IPM Toolbox for Growers in Maine, Hillary Peterson, DACF
No sign-up is required. Each hour is worth 1 credit. For more information: pesticides@maine.gov
Always check to ensure all products distributed or used are currently registered in the State of Maine. Get a list of the current Maine registrations.
If you need help with the portal login, licenses, signing up for exams, submitting reports, or other MEPERLS services, you can contact the main office at pesticides@maine.gov or 207-287-2731.
Augusta – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Animal Health Division and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as avian influenza, in a non-commercial backyard (non-poultry) flock in York County this week. Samples were tested and confirmed for HPAI by the Cornell Animal Health Diagnostic Center. This confirmation is the first instance of HPAI in a domestic flock in Maine since the spring of 2023. It emphasizes the ongoing need for vigilance as the disease continues to be a risk to domestic birds.
The small flock of 60 birds suffered its first mortality in early January and then experienced ongoing losses. The remaining flock was quarantined to prevent the spread of disease and depopulated this week by officials from DACF, with the agreement and understanding of the flock’s owners. Currently, DACF has received no reports of illness in additional flocks. Though HPAI is considered low risk to human health, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention monitors the individuals who had contact with infected birds or their environment.
This localized outbreak reinforces the importance of reporting sick and dead wild and domestic birds. Despite the low risk to the public, the virus remains deadly to many species of birds.
For the agriculture community and poultry owners:
The HPAI virus is often initially introduced to domestic poultry by infected wild birds through direct contact or contact with their feces. Then, it may spread between poultry flocks due to poor biosecurity and unfavorable environmental conditions. While some waterfowl species can carry the disease without becoming sick, the HPAI virus is generally fatal for domestic poultry. Risk factors for the spread of HPAI include:
- Poultry housed outside
- Ponds or other wild bird attractants on the farm
- Piles of debris located close to poultry areas
- Introduction of poultry from other farms without a quarantine period
- Lack of personal protective equipment such as dedicated coveralls and boots
- Sharing of equipment between flocks
- Unrestricted human movement and interaction with poultry
All bird owners, from backyard pets to commercial farmers, are strongly encouraged to review biosecurity measures to ensure the health of their birds, restrict human movement onto the farm, and limit contact with poultry to only those who need to be there. Non-essential personnel and visitors should not be allowed. USDA has materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit available.
In addition to practicing good biosecurity, all bird owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to USDA APHIS by calling toll-free 866-536-7593, or the DACF at 207-287-3701.
Additional HPAI Resources:
Recently, the BPC has received several complaints regarding the use of pesticides in restaurants by unlicensed applicators. Pesticide applications made in eating establishments are defined as “custom applications”, therefore proper licensing is required. Please see the definitions below and at the following link, Chapter 10: Definitions.
“Commercial applicator” means any person that; 1) uses or supervises the use of any limited or restricted use pesticide other than as a private applicator, 2) makes or supervises a custom application of a general use pesticide, 3) applies a pesticide in connection with their duties as an official or an employee of federal, state, county, university or local government. .
“Custom application” means; 1) an application of a pesticide under contract or for which compensation is received. 2) To a property open to use by the public. 3) In a food establishment licensed under M.R.S. 22, Chapter 551, or an eating establishment licensed under M.R.S. 22, Chapter 562.
The BPC has also seen an increase in calls regarding failures to follow the standards for indoor pesticide applications. Please review CHAPTER 26: STANDARDS FOR INDOOR PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS AND NOTIFICATION FOR ALL OCCUPIED BUILDINGS EXCEPT K – 12 SCHOOLS
Please send any questions or inquiries to pesticides@maine.gov
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