Marshfield Clinic needs ticks for research purposes

As summer holidays, vacations and outdoor activities hit high gear, scientists at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute are asking the public to submit ticks for the Tick Inventory, via Citizen Science (TICS).

TICS was launched in April, to survey the distribution of tick species in Wisconsin, including any new, invasive ticks that may move into Wisconsin. The response was phenomenal, as citizens scooped up ticks they found in nature, or crawling on themselves or their pets, and sent them to the research institute in pre-paid collection kits.

So far, scientists have identified more than 3,200 ticks submitted by citizens, most prominently, the American dog (wood) tick and the deer (black-legged) tick.

Researchers also have identified nine brown dog ticks, which are most frequently found in the southern U.S., and five lone star ticks, mainly found in the southern and eastern U.S.

“The presence of brown dog and lone star ticks is intriguing, as it may indicate spread from their typical habitats to Wisconsin,” said Alexandra Linz, associate research scientist. “We are trying to determine the extent and significance of this spread, and the potential health effects.”

Ticks carry pathogens that may cause diseases, such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis. With new tick species becoming more prevalent in Wisconsin, the risk for potential newly introduced diseases increases.

Brown dog ticks spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and lone star ticks spread ehrlichiosis, primarily in warmer U.S settings. Possibly, because of climate change, the incidence of both conditions has increased three-fold in the last two decades.

“Residents who enjoy the outdoors and physicians, need to be aware of these diseases and their symptoms,” said Jennifer Meece, institute executive director. “As researchers, the information from this study and future studies, can help us improve disease prevention efforts and early detection, as well as develop better diagnostic tools and treatments.”

For more information or to request a pre-paid collection kit be sent, contact tics@marshfieldclinic.org or 715-3897796, ext. 16462. Parks and nature centers interested in having kits available for their visitors, also are encouraged to contact the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute.

Once the tick, dead or alive, has been placed in the collection kit, just drop it in the mail to submit. Each kit will come with a unique identification number that people can use to look up, via an online dashboard, the species of ticks they submitted.

The mild winter resulted in a bountiful tick population this spring, which means a greater chance of contracting a tick-borne illness. Symptoms of illnesses resulting from a tick bite can include rash, fever, joint pain and fatigue. Contact a medical provider if someone has these symptoms.

If a deer tick is removed that is attached and engorged, a single dose of an antibiotic (doxycycline) can reduce the risk of contracting Lyme disease from 3 percent to 0.3 percent.

To reduce the risk of tick bites, spray insecticide, such as permethrin on clothing, sleeping bags and tent fabric, and wear clothing that covers the skin. Always check for ticks, after time spent outdoors.