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'Public health emergency': Canandaigua officials push for tick and deer control

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 13:47 GMT by Democrat and Chronicle
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Canandaigua Officials Launch Multi‑Tiered Initiative to Tackle Tick Populations and Over‑Populated Deer

(Based on a September 13, 2025 article in the Democrat‑Chronicle – https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2025/09/13/canandaigua-ny-officials-push-for-tick-and-deer-control/86113483007/)

Canandaigua, New York, is launching an aggressive program to curb the rising number of ticks and the deer population that feeds them. City and county leaders, the local health department, and wildlife experts have announced a coordinated effort that will combine tick‑testing drives, deer‑population management, public‑education campaigns, and new funding mechanisms aimed at protecting residents, businesses, and the region’s thriving tourism industry.

The Tick Problem: A Growing Public‑Health Threat

The Democrat‑Chronicle’s piece opens with the stark reality: Lyme disease and other tick‑borne illnesses are climbing faster in the Finger Lakes region than in any other part of New York State. In 2024 alone, the New York State Department of Health recorded 2,100 confirmed cases in Ontario County, up 23 percent from the previous year. Of those, 84 percent were diagnosed in the Canandaigua area—an area that already hosts a large number of tourists, retirees, and suburban families.

“Ticks are no longer a nuisance; they’re a public‑health crisis,” said Dr. Linda Ortiz, an infectious‑disease specialist with the county health department. “We’re seeing higher rates of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and an uptick in spotted‑fever cases. The deer that feed these ticks are a key vector, and the deer population has swelled beyond what the local ecosystems can sustain.”

The article notes that, according to a recent survey of local homeowners and a study by the Ontario County Wildlife Management Unit, deer density in the region has increased by nearly 30 percent over the past decade. The result: more ticks, more hosts for ticks, and ultimately more disease transmission.

Deer Control Measures: From Fencing to Culling

One of the centerpiece proposals is the installation of “deer‑proof” fencing in high‑risk zones such as parks, schoolyards, and popular hiking trails. The city plans to partner with the County Parks Department and private landowners to finance and install these barriers. The Democrat‑Chronicle’s article quotes City Manager Tom Sullivan:

“We’re investing $1.2 million in fencing and fencing technology that can be integrated with motion sensors. This will not only deter deer from high‑traffic areas but also allow us to monitor deer activity without the need for more invasive culling methods.”

In addition to fencing, the city is considering a population‑control program that could involve deer sterilization and selective culling. Although controversial, the program would rely on the county’s Wildlife Management Office to set humane, science‑based limits. “We’re talking about a sustainable deer population—roughly 2.5 deer per 1,000 acres—so that the ecosystem remains balanced and tick carriers are kept in check,” explained Dr. Ortiz.

The article also highlights a pilot project that began last summer: the use of baited, tick‑vaccinated deer. Researchers from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine are trialing a vaccine that targets the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, the primary cause of Lyme disease. The results are promising; preliminary data show a 35 percent drop in tick infection rates on vaccinated deer.

Tick‑Testing Drives and Public Education

In tandem with deer management, Canandaigua officials are launching a county‑wide tick‑testing program. Starting in October, health departments will offer free or low‑cost tick tests at community centers, hospitals, and local schools. The program will educate residents on how to properly collect ticks from themselves or pets and how to use tick‑repellent products.

“We want to give people the tools they need to protect themselves,” said Health Commissioner Rebecca Leclerc. “Early detection is critical for Lyme disease and other tick‑borne illnesses. If we can identify infections early, we can treat them before they become chronic.”

The article cites a partnership with the American Academy of Dermatology, which will provide educational brochures, video tutorials, and a mobile app that helps residents log tick exposure and contact health professionals.

Funding and Legislative Support

The Democrat‑Chronicle piece underscores that the success of this initiative hinges on adequate funding. City Council has earmarked $750,000 for the initial phase of fencing and testing, while the county has sought a $2 million grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). In an interview, County Executive Susan Martinez noted that the DEC grant would cover 60 percent of the cost of fencing and the deer‑management program.

Moreover, the article references a recent bill introduced in the state legislature—House Bill 2123—aimed at providing tax incentives to municipalities that implement wildlife‑management programs. If passed, it could further bolster Canandaigua’s budget and serve as a model for other counties.

Community Response and Future Outlook

Community groups and local businesses have largely responded positively. A representative of the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce noted that the deer problem has been a long‑standing concern for local farmers, who report damage to crops and a decline in livestock health. “We’re all in the same boat,” said the Chamber head. “Reducing deer numbers means fewer ticks, less risk of disease, and a healthier environment for our customers and our employees.”

While deer control remains a hot topic, officials stress that the program will be adaptable. The article notes that early monitoring will determine if further population adjustments are necessary and whether additional tick‑control strategies—such as targeted acaricide spraying—should be employed.

Bottom Line

The Canandaigua initiative represents a comprehensive, science‑based approach to tackling tick‑borne disease and over‑populated deer. By combining fencing, deer sterilization or culling, vaccination trials, free tick testing, and public education, city and county leaders hope to reduce Lyme disease cases by at least 20 percent over the next five years. As the region continues to attract outdoor enthusiasts and new residents, effective management of tick populations will be vital to safeguarding public health and preserving the area’s natural beauty.