A little humorous; A little educational

Happy Monday Ixodes Outreach readers! The YouTube channel zefrank1 recently posted a video about Ixodes ticks — that is, deer ticks. You know, the ticks that carry Lyme disease. Defintely a chance to laugh while you learn about the life cycle of the Ixodes tick!

 

All credit to zefrank1 and those that provided the excellent videos of ticks through their life cycle!

Post by: M. Bergquist

High School Students Want to Know: Do all deer ticks carry Lyme disease?

Question #10

Do all deer ticks carry Lyme disease?

No, they must first feed on an animal carrying the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease such as the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus).  

When a deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) first hatches from the egg, it does not have Lyme disease causing bacteria in its system.  However, if at any point in its life cycle, it feeds on an animal carrying the bacteria, it can then potentially pass it on to humans the next time it feeds.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, in Minnesota, about 30% of adult deer ticks ticks and 20% deer tick nymphs is infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Post by C. Fisher

 

 

 

Ticks spotted in Carlton County, Minnesota

 If you are in Carlton County, Minnesota, be advised, the ticks are out!  

Two were found on a dog Sunday, April 21st near Cromwell, and an individual in Carlton reported finding ticks last week as well!

If you find a tick and would like to submit it to the Ixodes Outreach Project to use in our research you can write us to request a free tick kit.  Kits come with a tick ID card, a tick removal key, and specimen submission materials.  Send your request by email to us at:

ixodesoutreach@gmail.com.

Or simply place the tick in a Ziploc-style baggie and mail it to us via USPS at:  

Ixodes Outreach Project

1035 University Drive

Duluth, MN  55812

Attn:  SMed 332

When submitting a tick, please indicate where the tick was found, the date it was found, whether it was attached to a person or animal and, if you would like to receive additional information, please provide your name, mailing address &/or email.

Questions about ticks? Get answers from the Minnesota Department of Health!

 

This March the Minnesota Department of Health will be hosting a free webinar series about ticks and mosquitoes.  Can't make it to the webinar?  Recordings will be archived for later viewing.

Click here to find out more and to register!

 

Post by C. Fisher