Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Higher tick density a concern for Health Department

A sign at the head of the Hughes Farm Trail advises users on tick safety. PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD

Health Director Shaun McAuliffe reported to the Board of Health on Monday night that areas of town are seeing a higher prevalence of ticks, and his department is working to educate residents on how to reduce their risk of contracting tick-borne illnesses.

“I was shocked at how many [there were],” McAuliffe said, referencing a survey he and his interns recently completed at Legacy Farms. He noted that the area was surveyed following complaints from residents who picked up ticks on nearby walking trails. In a later call with the Independent, McAuliffe said his group managed to capture 11 dog ticks in a half-hour, which he explained was a significant concentration.

Likewise, a high number of blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks) were collected near Cold Spring Brook. “We saw a lot more on that trail than we have in past years,” said McAuliffe.

When asked about the increase in tick populations, McAuliffe said that warmer temperatures likely are a factor. As well, ticks have been migrating to the area by hooking rides with birds, deer and other large animals.

Data McAuliffe shared with the Independent shows there have been 31 cases of tick-related disease reported in Hopkinton since January. The majority of these were Lyme disease and reported in older populations.

According to the health director, the primary risk of tick exposure comes from pets.

“Dogs especially are one of the leading risk factors for tick-borne disease in Hopkinton,” he said.

Because residents take dogs on the trails, the dogs will pick up the insects as they walk. Many pets are on tick medicine, so ticks tend not to latch on and can fall on areas where pets and their owners sit together, McAuliffe explained.

McAuliffe recommended vigilance when it comes to walking trails and to take precautions. These include treating clothing with permethrin and doing checks after being outside. “Spray at least from your knees down with mosquito and tick repellent,” he added.

The Health Department provides tick identification cards and removal kits for residents who are interested.

A prevention project McAuliffe teased to the Board of Health was a series of social media videos on how to treat clothing and ways residents can better protect themselves from tick-borne illness. He told the Independent that his high school intern would be helping with the department’s social media efforts.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

Interim Police Chief Scott van Raalten met with the Select Board on Tuesday to review how Hopkinton Police utilize Flock camera systems.

The Select Board voted Tuesday to adopt changes to the town’s financial management policies on recommendations from the town’s chief financial officer.

Meeting with the Select Board on Tuesday, Charter Review Committee chair Connor Degan laid out proposed revisions to the town charter ahead of a Special Town Meeting in October.

The Elementary School Building Committee heard updates from a third-party engineer about which parties have ownership of soil infiltration issues at the Charleswood School site.

This week’s Police Log features four arrests, along with reports of a stolen vehicle, dead deer in a lot for sale and unregistered solicitors.

The Department of Public Works released an updated schedule for roadwork which will continue into August.

Town meetings tonight include the School Committee (4:30).

Photo of the Day

Volunteers (from left) Chuck Dauchy, Sean Kimball and John Ritz take a break from loading debris into a dumpster at the Hughes Farm property last month as part of ongoing projects to clear the nearby trails.

PHOTO/COURTESY HOPKINTON TRAILS CLUB