![]() 1989), our laboratory established a statewide tick identification service open to the general public ( Smith et al. 1987, Ginsberg and Ewing 1988) and a detailed report of an outbreak of Lyme disease in Ipswich, MA, 48 km south of the Maine border ( Lastavica et al. Thus, in the late 1980s, after the first reports of I. Moreover, with several years of data, the timing and size of the seasonal peaks of each life stage can be described, providing patterns which, when analyzed with relevant biotic and abiotic data, may lead to regional predictive models. In addition, information about population segments at risk and the sources of ticks encountered can be gained from questionnaires completed by submitters. 2004), and, by spatial statistics, correlating satellite-derived vegetative indices to tick prevalence ( Ogden et al. 1992), relating tick prevalence to the incidence of Lyme disease ( Johnson et al. Although maps developed from these passively derived data are limited to the distribution of the tick submitters themselves, within those bounds their value has been demonstrated in mapping the distribution and diversity of tick species ( Walker et al. More economically, information directly related to exposure to vector ticks may be obtained by offering free tick identification to the public. This methodology remains valuable, but is increasingly compromised where large portions of the dog population have been vaccinated or treated with topical acaricides. Perhaps more pertinent from a public health standpoint are maps showing where Lyme disease is being transmitted, which may be derived from canine serosurveys ( Lindenmeyer et al. ![]() These methods, however, require large outlays of personnel, time, and funds, and collections may be hampered by unfavorable weather events. 2006) or surveys of ticks removed from hosts ( Wallis et al. Because awareness of risk is an essential element of disease prevention, maps indicating current tick distributions and the inherent threat from tick-borne diseases are needed.Īt a statewide scale, data on tick distribution and prevalence may be obtained by systematic methods involving consistent sampling and standardized collection protocols, such as multisite flagging efforts ( Bunnell et al. cookei, but also by Ixodes marxi Banks ( Artsob 1988), and potentially by I. This last disease is transmitted primarily by I. Furthermore, five cases of another tick-born disease, Powassan encephalitis, also have been reported in Maine and Vermont ( CDC 2001, 2006b). scapularis have emerged in Maine in recent years: human granulocytic anaplasmosis and babesiosis. In addition, two more diseases carried by I. Since that time, the range of this tick has expanded into northern New England, and reported Lyme disease cases in this region have increased, rapidly so in the last decade. (1978) provided evidence that an inflammatory arthritis reported previously in Lyme, CT, was transmitted by a tick vector and that cases occurred within the distribution of the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say ( Steere and Malawista 1979). Ixodes scapularis, Ixodes cookei, Dermacentor variabilis, lyme disease, passive tick surveillance This study demonstrates the usefulness and potential of tick identification programs. More ticks were removed from people ≤14 and ≥30 yr of age, and their degree of engorgement was greatest in people ≤20 yr of age and progressively increased in people ≥30 yr of age. Annual fluctuations of nymphal submissions in Maine correlated with those of Lyme disease cases for New England, supporting the possibility of a regional influence on tick abundance. scapularis closely correlated with reported Lyme diseases cases at the county level. scapularis emerged first along the coast, and then it advanced inland up major river valleys, Dermacentor variabilis Say slowly expanded centrifugally from where it was initially reported in southwestern Maine, and the distribution of long-established Ixodes cookei Packard remained unchanged. Maps depict the distributions of the three major species submitted. Data provided include tick stage, degree of engorgement, seasonal abundance, geographical location, host, and age of the person from whom the tick was removed. ![]() This article summarizes data from 18 continuous years of tick submissions during which >24,000 ticks of 14 species were identified. dammini Spielman, Clifford, Piesman & Corwin) ticks were reported in the state. ![]() In 1989, a free-of-charge, statewide tick identification program was initiated in Maine, 1 yr after the first Ixodes scapularis Say (= I. ![]()
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