HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0193.005 2024-2026Clayton Foster, MD
Infectious Disease
Ali'i Health Center
78-6831 Ali'i Drive, Suite 422
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
cfoster@aliihealth.com
808-909-3873
April 1, 2025
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing in support of the Trap -Neuter -Return -Manage (TNRM) program for community
cats on Hawaii Island. As an Infectious Disease physician with a commitment to public
health, I firmly believe that this program is essential not only for controlling the
overpopulation of cats but also for safeguarding public health and promoting the wellbeing
of both humans and animals in our community.
Community cats, particularly feral populations, are often a source of concern due to their
potential to spread diseases like toxoptasmosis. However, studies consistently
demonstrate that TNRM programs are an effective and humane way to manage these
populations while reducing the risks associated with such diseases.
Previous proposals to reduce community cat populations by poisoning threaten
inadvertent contamination of children, pets and our water table. Furthermore, I expect that
a sudden and drastic decline in the island's cat population would lead to a sharp increase
in the rodent population with associated spikes in leptospirosis, marine typhus and rat
lungworm disease. Compared to toxoptasmosis, these rodent -related infections are much
more likely to cause severe illness and death. The TNRM program will decrease the number
of community cats in a controlled and sustainable manner while avoiding environmental
contamination and mitigating the spread of more dangerous zoonotic diseases.
Importantly, TNRM is a proactive and compassionate approach that provides a long-term
solution to the community cat issue. It is a far more effective and ethical alternative to
mass cutting or abandonment. By supporting this program, we can create a healthier, more
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sustainable ecosystem for all, reducing both the burden on local shelters and the spread of
infectious diseases.
I strongly urge you to support and advocate for the continued implementation of the TNRM
program on Hawaii Island. It represents a scientifically supported, humane, and practical
approach to addressing the challenges of community cat populations while ensuring the
health and safety of our community.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Sincerely,
Clayton Foster, MD
Infectious Disease
Ali'i Health Center