Publication Date

Spring 4-7-2016

School

School of Health Sciences

Major

Zoology

Abstract

Tick-borne disease is found all over the world, and interest in disease surveillance for tick-borne illnesses has increased, partly because some of the illnesses are becoming more common. Tick collection is an integral and necessary part of disease surveillance, and knowledge of the ticks’ habitats, life cycles, and different collection methods increases the chance of their capture. Beginning in March of 2015, ticks were collected using CO2 traps from Candlers Mountain in central Virginia. The tapes used in the traps were experimentally tested using a force transducer to create a trap that would capture the greatest number of ticks. From March through June, 62 deer and lone star ticks were collected using this method. The lab experiments suggested that duct tape and colored lab tape would be the best choice for a CO2 trap. The researchers believe that better education about tick species, habitats, and the potential risk of tick-borne diseases will help people in the Lynchburg area and around the world protect both themselves and their pets.

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