The number of TICKS in PA is on the rise and approx. 50% of them carry Lyme disease. Worldwide, there are more than 500 species of ticks and these parasitic arthropods feed not only on warm-blooded mammals, but some species also feed on birds, reptiles and even amphibians. FISH are apparently the only vertebrates not plagued by these little blood-suckers. Many transmit diseases, and the most important organisms transmitted are, spirochetes which cause Lyme disease and rickettsias which cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Currently, more than 25 species have been identified in PA. The four species that account for nearly 90% of all submissions to Penn State are;
1. The American Dog Tick 2. Blacklegged Tick 3. The LoneStar Tick 4. GroundHog Tick. The American Dog Ticks are the major carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is less common than Lyme disease, but a potentially more seriious illness. The Blacklegged Tick is well known as the vector of Lyme disease. This tick was previously known as the "deer tick". The LoneStar Tick is also a vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, but the GroundHog Tick is more specific to groundhogs and not considered an important vector.
PREVENTION of Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, etc. would include:
1. Wear protective light-colored clothing while outdoors, including a broad-brimmed hat, a long sleeved shirt & long pants tucked into the socks.
2. Check the body daily for presence of ticks and remove them.
3. Use tick repellents, DEET, or permethrins. (careful to follow all directions and safety precautions on pestisides, which are Poisonous)
4. Seek medical care for early signs of illness.