A field-based indicator for determining the likelihood of Ixodes scapularis establishment at sites in Ontario, Canada.

ABSTRACT: The emergence of the vector Ixodes scapularis in Ontario, Canada poses a significant public health risk. Both passive and active surveillance approaches have been employed by public health professionals (i.e., government employees) to monitor for the range expansion of this tick. Field surveillance using drag sampling for questing ticks is a recognized and effective method to identify reproducing tick populations. The degree of effort (i.e., number of visits per site) can enhance the sensitivity and specificity of surveillance, but increased effort conflicts with the cost to public health for field surveillance. Here we developed an indicator to determine the likelihood of I. scapularis establishment based on field sampling results. Field data from two established populations of I. scapula

SUBMITTER: Clow KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5828431 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature