Deer management generally reduces densities of nymphal Ixodes scapularis, but not prevalence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto.

ABSTRACT: Human Lyme disease-primarily caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) in North America-is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. Research on risk mitigation strategies during the last three decades has emphasized methods to reduce densities of the primary vector in eastern North America, the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis). Controlling white-tailed deer populations has been considered a potential method for reducing tick densities, as white-tailed deer are important hosts for blacklegged tick reproduction. However, the feasibility and efficacy of white-tailed deer management to impact acarological risk of encountering infected ticks (namely, density of host-seeking infected nymphs; DIN) is unclear. We investigated the effect of white-tailed

SUBMITTER: Martin AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11265508 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature