It is the policy of the State to work to find and implement ways to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in a manner that minimizes risks to humans and the environment. The State, led by the department and the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to this chapter and Title 22, chapter 257-B, respectively, shall monitor mosquito-borne diseases and shall base mosquito management methods, including potential pesticide use, on an evaluation of the most current risk assessments. On a continuing basis, the State shall research and evaluate means of reducing disease-carrying mosquitoes without the use of pesticides. When the Department of Health and Human Services determines that the disease risk is high and public education efforts are insufficient to adequately prevent mosquito-borne diseases in the State, the Department of Health and Human Services may declare a mosquito-borne disease public health threat pursuant to Title 22, chapter 257-B and the State may undertake emergency activities to reduce disease-carrying mosquito populations that threaten the health of residents of this State. The State in undertaking emergency activities shall use a combination of the lowest risk, most effective integrated pest management techniques and science-based technology and shall consult with officials from affected municipalities in determining the most appropriate combination of response strategies. [PL 2013, c. 548, §1 (NEW).]
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