Tick Collections
We used two collection strategies to obtain I. scapularis adults
from across the eastern half of the U.S. First, we established a network
of collaborators among research institutions in the U.S. Collaborators
shipped previously identified samples from past collection seasons
(2010-2020) stored in 70% ethanol to the University of Georgia (UGA)
Environmental Health Science (EHS) DNA laboratory for sequencing. These
tick samples were collected from either drag sampling or animal hosts,
with hunter-harvested white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus )
transported to check stations or local meat processors being the most
common type of animal host collection. For the second collection
strategy, we implemented a community science approach to cover areas
that did not have large research collection efforts established.
Specifically, New England K9 Search and Rescue team, the TNC Nashua
Grasslands, and other non-associated volunteers were emailed requests to
submit ticks, while the Quality Deer Management Association (now
National Deer Alliance) published a request in their newsletter to
assist us through this community science effort. All community
scientists who expressed interest in the project were mailed a tick
collection kit, which included a data sheet, tweezers, tubes with 70%
ethanol, a permanent marker, and a pre-paid return envelope. Community
scientists were instructed to collect all ticks encountered from game,
humans, and dogs during the 2020-2021 hunting seasons. These collection
kits were returned to UGA for morphological identification using
standard keys (Durden & Keirans, 1996; Keirans & Litwak, 1989). Only
flat I. scapularis adults that were not significantly damaged and
had a listed source location were used in this study. No samples that
had been attached to humans were accepted (unattached ticks crawling on
humans were accepted).