The Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is asking the public to submit ticks. This includes any new, invasive ticks moving into the state.
The Tick Inventory via Citizen Science launched in April to survey the distribution of tick species in Wisconsin. Since then, people have been scooping up ticks and sending them to the institute in pre-paid collection kits.
So far, scientists have identified more than 5,000 ticks submitted by citizens. Most of these have been the American dog (wood) tick and the deer (black-legged) tick. Researchers also identified brown dog ticks, which are most frequently found in the southern U.S. They also identified lone star ticks, mainly found in the southern and eastern U.S.
“The presence of brown dog and lone star ticks is intriguing as it may indicate spread from their typical habitats to Wisconsin,” says Alexandra Linz, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute associate research scientist. “We are trying to determine the extent and significance of this spread and the potential health effects.”
Ticks carry pathogens that may cause diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. With new tick species becoming more prevalent in Wisconsin, the risk for potential newly introduced diseases increases. Brown dog ticks spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and lone star ticks spread ehrlichiosis, primarily in warmer U.S settings. This can make you allergic to meat!
The incidence of both conditions has increased three-fold in the last two decades.
“Residents who enjoy the outdoors and physicians need to be aware of these diseases and their symptoms,” says Jennifer Meece, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute executive director. “As researchers, the information from this study and future studies can help us improve disease prevention efforts and early detection as well as develop better diagnostic tools and treatments.”
For more information, or to request a pre-paid collection kit be sent to you, contact [email protected] or 1-715-389-7796 (extension 16462).
The mild winter resulted in a bountiful tick population this spring, which means a greater chance of contracting a tick-borne illness. Symptoms of illnesses resulting from a tick bite can include rash, fever, joint pain, and fatigue. Contact your medical provider if you have these symptoms.
To reduce the risk of tick bites, spray insecticides such as permethrin on clothing, sleeping bags, and tent fabric. Wear clothing that covers your skin. Finally, have someone help you check for ticks after time spent outdoors.
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