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Published on: August 31, 2013
Operational Considerations for Using Deer-Targeted 4-Poster Tick Control Devices in a Tick-borne Disease Endemic
Victoria L Hornbostel1, James I Meek, AmberJean P Hansen
1Department of Biology, Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, Connecticut (Ms Hornbostel and Dr Connally); Connecticut Emerging Infections Program, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut (Mr Meek and Mss Hansen and Niesobecki); and Division of Vector-Borne Disease, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado (Ms Nawrocki and Dr Hinckley).
The 4-Poster deer treatment stations are a feasible community-wide strategy for tick control in the Northeast. Deployment requires careful planning regarding costs, regulations, and wildlife monitoring for effective tick-borne disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Public Health Entomology
- Wildlife Management
Background:
- Personal protection and yard-based strategies are common for preventing tick-borne diseases from black-legged and lone star ticks.
- The 4-Poster deer treatment stations offer a potential community-wide approach to suppress tick populations by treating deer hosts with acaricide.
- Limited documentation exists on the deployment logistics of 4-Posters in mainland community settings, hindering widespread public health implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and operational logistics of deploying 4-Poster deer treatment stations on public land within a residential community.
- To inform future public health interventions by municipalities or vector control agencies for tick-borne disease reduction.
- To design a population-based 4-Poster effectiveness study for reducing tick-borne disease incidence.
Main Methods:
- Deployed three 4-Poster devices on municipal property from July to December 2020.
- Utilized motion-activated cameras to record wildlife activity near the devices.
- Documented per-device operational details, costs, materials consumed, and animal activity.
Main Results:
- 4-Poster operation was feasible, with easily remedied device challenges.
- Deer and non-target animal visitation was documented at all devices.
- Monthly corn consumption did not correlate with deer-view days; monthly cost per device was $1279 ($305/hectare) with 21 minutes/week service time.
Conclusions:
- 4-Posters may be a practical addition to tick management programs in Northeast endemic areas.
- Programs should consider local regulations, manufacturer guidelines, and wildlife monitoring.
- High labor costs could be reduced by training local municipality or vector control staff to service devices.
