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Published on: August 25, 2018
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Citizen Science Informs How Missourians Interact With Ticks
Deborah A Hudman1, Matthew D Combes2
1Senior research associate in the Department of Microbiology/Immunology, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University, Kirksville, Missouri.
Missouri Medicine
|April 24, 2023
Summary
Missourians encountered numerous ticks, primarily the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), often on people or pets. This citizen science data maps tick exposure and distribution across the state to aid disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Tickborne diseases pose a significant public health risk in Missouri.
- Accurate data on tick species and human interaction is crucial for effective disease prevention and diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify tick species prevalent in Missouri and understand where human-tick interactions occur.
- To utilize citizen science for a comprehensive statewide tick survey.
Main Methods:
- A statewide survey collected 12,819 tick submissions from Missouri residents between April and December 2021.
- Citizen scientists submitted ticks, providing data on tick species and collection locations.
- Data analysis focused on tick species identification and geographical distribution.
Main Results:
- Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) constituted 71% of all submitted ticks.
- A significant majority (89%) of ticks were collected directly from humans or pets.
- Preliminary county-level tick distribution maps were generated.
Conclusions:
- The lone star tick is the predominant species encountered by Missourians.
- Citizen science effectively captured data on tick distribution and direct human exposure patterns.
- Findings support targeted public health interventions for tickborne disease prevention in Missouri.
